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:
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- 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- Leaks, poor storage, and outdated systems worsen the water crisis, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.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
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