WATER CRISIS

TAG: GS-1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT:  The annual State of Africa’s Environment 2024 report, recently published by the Centre for Science and Environment, highlights its focus on managing natural water resources.

EXPLANATION:

What is Water Crisis?

Water crisis refers to the situation where the available potable, safe water in a region is less than its demand. The World Bank refers to water scarcity as a condition when the annual per-capita availability is less than 1000 cubic metres.

Water Insecurity Overview:

• Africa hosts 22% of the world’s critically water insecure population.
• Every African nation faces varying degrees of water insecurity, impacting livelihoods, health, agriculture, and overall development.

Key Factors Contributing to the Water Crisis:

Climate Change:

• Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events disrupt water availability.
• Desertification and changes in seasonal patterns (especially in sub-Saharan Africa) exacerbate the water crisis.

Agricultural Practices:

• • Agriculture consumes a large portion of Africa’s freshwater resources, often using inefficient irrigation methods.
  • Dependence on rain-fed agriculture increases vulnerability to droughts.

Population Growth:

• Water bodies across Africa are polluted by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
• This contamination reduces access to safe drinking water and affects public health.

• Rapid population growth in many African countries strains the already limited water resources.
• Urbanization adds further pressure to water supply infrastructure.

Poor Infrastructure:

• Inadequate water management and infrastructure lead to inefficiencies in water distribution.
• Leaks, poor storage, and outdated systems worsen the water crisis, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

Conflict and Governance:

• Political instability and conflicts over resources aggravate water insecurity. Poor governance, corruption, and lack of effective water management policies contribute to unequal water access.
• Water scarcity hampers agricultural productivity, food security, and economic growth.
• It also affects public health, increasing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and malnutrition.

Solutions and Global Efforts:

• Investments in water infrastructure, sustainable agricultural practices, and water conservation methods.
• International cooperation through programs like the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/state-of-africas-environment-why-water-crisis-in-africa-2