Sustainability
“The most exciting moment of the festival is when the signal is given for the fisherman to start. The fisherman charge into the river, while music and songs play amid the chaos. The energy is contagious” (Chitre, 2019)
The Argungu fishing festival (Fashin Ruwa) is a celebration of life. It is a tool of conserving natural resources, maintaining and promoting traditional life (Yusuf 1982). The festival is the precursor of today’s fishery management measure. The festival takes place at the Sokoto River, fishing is banned along a one mile stretch of the river throughout the year so that there is enough fish during the festival (Northwest News, 1974). However, environmental conservation is not only limited to the river but extends to the whole town of Argungu. According to the ‘The Northwest News,’ the commissioner of agriculture proposed to implement large scale afforestation and other soil conservation methods during the 1974 Argungu fishing festival. Furthermore, the commissioner said shelter belt programs and intensification of tree planting campaigns would be given immediate attention. Therefore, the Argungu Fishing Festival pays great attention to environmental conservation (Northwest News, 1974)
Photo of the Sokoto River by Bassey Udo. Sokoto river used for irrigation by the Kebbawa people
The effective conservation of natural resources is closely linked to the use of the local knowledge and hence the life of the community. It is also part of an ancient fertility ritual which, from the point of view of the local Kebbawa people, is the most important aspect of the occasion. Hence, environmental conservation goes hand in hand with the cultural manifestations of the festival.
Any efforts to improve the infrastructure must be hand in hand with preserving the traditions and sustainability of the festival and in order to maintain the socioeconomic benefits it provides to the community.
Sustainable Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource based tourism (UNEP). A key element of sustainable ecotourism is the conservation of natural and cultural heritage (Honey, 1999). According to UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) ecotourism is sustainable tourism, which ensures equal, effective, and active participation of all participants; acknowledge indigenous peoples communities’ rights to say “no” to tourism development and to be fully informed, effective, and active participants in the development of tourism activities within the communities, lands, and territories; and promote processes for indigenous peoples and local communities to control and maintain their resources (UNEP).
Therefore, the Argungu festival is an example of ecotourism. It combines both natural and cultural heritage. Refraining from fishing guarantees conservation of species and perpetuates the cultural practice of the fishing community. The annual crowd also sustains the integrity of the natural environment of the Argungu village by allowing for almost a year’s recovery.
Bibliography
Honey,Martha S. “Treading Lightly: Ecotourism Impact on the Environment.” Environment
UNEP, http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/ecotourism/home.htm.
Chitre, Sarina. “Argungu Fishing Festival.” Vahi, Raysa. Research Proposal, October 25th, 2019.
Argungu fishing festival ends: Festival village to be expanded. Northwest News,” Northwest News, March 2nd 1974
Argungu Fishing Festival 