Earth Day: How Nature in African Literature Reflects Identity, Spirituality and Resistance

By Yamilenu Bamgboye 

Nature has always played a central role in African literature, serving as more than just a backdrop—it is a living, dynamic force intertwined with culture, spirituality, and resistance. For countless writers across the continent, the landscapes, flora, and fauna are imbued with spiritual significance and cultural identity, reflecting the deep connection between people and their environment.

In many African societies, nature is not merely a resource but a sacred entity imbued with spiritual meaning. Traditional African cosmologies often depict the earth, rivers, and forests as inhabited by ancestral spirits and deities.Take the works of Chinua Achebe, for instance. In his iconic novel "Things Fall Apart," nature is not merely an incidental detail; it is central to the protagonist Okonkwo’s identity and the Igbo community's traditions. The cyclical rhythms of the agricultural seasons and the natural elements underpin the cultural practices and beliefs, showcasing how the community is intertwined with the land. Also Bessie Head’s "When Rain Clouds Gather", set in Botswana, portrays the land as both a source of sustenance and a spiritual force. The protagonist, Makhaya, finds healing in agriculture, reflecting the belief that working the earth restores balance. 

Colonialism disrupted African relationships with the land, turning nature into a contested space. Many African writers depict environmental degradation as a metaphor for cultural erasure like we see in Ngugi Wa'Thiongo's "Petals of Blood" and Ken Saro-Wiwa’s "Genocide in Nigeria: The Ogoni Tragedy". Saro-Wiwa, an environmental activist, linked ecological destruction in the Niger Delta to political oppression. His writings expose how oil extraction devastated the Ogoni people’s land, reinforcing Frantz Fanon’s idea that colonialism is inherently destructive to both people and nature. Moreover, the poetry of African writers like Leopold Sedar Senghor brings the essence of nature to the forefront. His verses often celebrate the vibrant life of Africa — the lush greenery, the rhythmic song of the animals, and the striking colors of the sunset. Senghor's work embodies the belief that nature is a source of inspiration and a vital part of African identity.

Recent African literature engages with ecocriticism, examining environmental crises such as deforestation, climate change, and urbanization. Okri’s magical realist novel, "The Famished Road", blends nature with the spirit world, showing how modernization disrupts ecological harmony. The protagonist, Azaro, navigates a world where trees and rivers possess consciousness. Nnedi Okorafor’s speculative novel, "Who Fears Death", integrates African futurism with environmental themes too. The novel’s post-apocalyptic setting underscores the consequences of ecological neglect, aligning with Rob Nixon’s concept of "slow violence" (Nixon, 2011).  

Nature in African literature is a powerful symbol of identity, spirituality, and resistance. From pre-colonial animist traditions to postcolonial environmental struggles, African writers have used the natural world to critique exploitation and envision sustainable futures. As ecocritical studies grow, African literature continues to offer profound insights into humanity’s relationship with the earth.