Notes by Toyin Falola

Across the previous chapters of this book, we have explored historical and scholarly viewpoints on the rivers of Africa. Our focus has been to explore the multifaceted perspectives about the rivers’ origins, morphology, significance, economic and other benefits, as well as prospects and relevance in development. Beyond scholarly analysis of the significance and impacts of African rivers, we explored the metaphysics of rivers as a concrete reality, particularly as a natural and ecological set of ideas. In addition to the various critical evaluations of pre-existing works of literature on African rivers carried out in the substantial chapters of the book, we have also codified in this Appendix summaries of notes on expeditions undertaken toward select African rivers, particularly the Nile and the Niger. To present a more robust view of the morphology, geology, geography, and other physical features of the river, I shall herein recount my experiences from the expeditions of the rivers in the context of a geographical portfolio of the river as well as the accounts of previous expeditions by some other authors. This narrative provides first-hand primary evidence of the features, uses, and significance of African rivers as explored in the previous chapters.

The Nile

I have been particularly intrigued by the body of living history that the Nile River has over the millennia encompassed. From historical texts to archaeological artifacts, sociological discourses, literature, and arts, the Nile River has been of significant interest to historians and scholars from other fields. In fact, beyond scholarship, the dynamics of the Nile have sparked significant interest in various authors, policymakers, and other interested personalities.