Introduction

The study of history has traditionally emphasized the impact of human actions on the environment, often overlooking the reciprocal relationship. However, environmental history provides valuable insights into how humans have shaped their surroundings over time, influencing various aspects such as politics, society, economy, and culture. African historiography has also been influenced by this perspective, with many narratives centered on human agency. Nevertheless, Africa's diverse environment, including a forest region teeming with flora and fauna, rivers, lakes, and other water features, significantly influenced the emergence and development of ethnic groups in the region. It is important to consider not only how these groups utilized their environment for survival but also how the environment, in turn, shaped African societies. Additionally, there is a need to redress the imbalance in the focus on land over water, leading to a more comprehensive study of environmental history literature.

The need to depart from the notion that environmental history examines the conservation of wildlife, soil, water, and forests and practical use of the environment has led to the exploration of the mutual relationship between people and their environment, making this study ecological. According to Arnold and Guha, the interrelationship between humans and the environment is central to environmental history, and in recent times, this theme has evolved to pay particular attention to conservation. Issues on conservation come to the fore in this study during the colonial period when water bodies were exploited for their natural resources.