Africa’s battle with water scarcity is getting worse each passing day due to the continent’s expanding population and the ongoing effects of climate change, which further depletes its limited water resources. What this means is that the rapid population growth in Africa has surged the demand for water, outstripping the pace of adequate planning and infrastructure development to accommodate this rising need.
Concurrently, climate change is intensifying the crisis, leading to some of the most severe droughts the continent has experienced. This is occurring as the world is witnessing record-breaking temperatures year after year, with the recent report by the European climate Copernicus stating that global temperatures have persistently exceeded the internationally agreed-upon warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) for an entire 12-month period.
This news came after January 2024 marked a new record as the warmest month, with global temperatures reaching 1.66C above pre-industrial levels. These drastic increases in temperature are wreaking havoc on Africa’s water bodies; even lakes and rivers that once provided sufficient water are drying up, forcing communities to undertake long journeys to find water suitable for consumption. According to the UN, citizens in sub-Saharan Africa travel 30 minutes on average daily to access water. This is to say that water access for some citizens is not as easy as opening a tap or flushing the toilet.
If the severity of this issue hasn’t yet hit home, consider this: water scarcity currently affects 1 in 3 Africans according to the World Health Organization and is getting worse due to the aforementioned factors. So, it is not an exaggeration to say that almost every African is impacted by water scarcity, both directly and indirectly. Now, predictions have it that by 2025, about 230 million Africans will be grappling with water scarcity, and up to 460 million will be living in water-stressed areas.
Yet, the narrative doesn’t stop there. According to The State of the Climate, the situation is set to worsen by 2030, when extreme water stress is expected to impact around 250 million people across the continent, potentially displacing up to 700 million individuals. yes, you read that right – 700 million. That’s equivalent to more than twice the population of the United States facing the threat of losing their homes due to water scarcity. While the year 2030 might appear to be in the distant future, it is only six years away, highlighting the critical need for immediate action to mitigate this impending crisis.
As Africa grapples with escalating water scarcity, the need for climate resilience through renewable water management practices has never been more urgent. These practices focus on sustainable utilization, conservation, and management of water resources to meet current and future needs without compromising ecosystem health. Key strategies include:
- Desalination Technologies: Investing in desalination can provide access to vast quantities of water from the sea, particularly crucial for coastal African countries. Given that many African countries are surrounded by salty bodies of water, desalination is a promising solution. It involves removing salt and other impurities from seawater to make it suitable for consumption. Industries in Africa can also use desalination alongside their tertiary water treatment to ensure the cleanest water for their process water requirements.
- Water Recycling and Reuse: water reuse is not only an option but the next step for both communities and industries in Africa. This term refers to reusing water after it’s been collected and treated. Implementing water reuse allows both communities and industrial clients in Africa to utilize water for various beneficial purposes, including agriculture, irrigation, groundwater replenishment, environmental restoration, potable water supplies, and industrial processes. What’s most advantageous about water reuse is that it is an alternative to existing water supplies, helping to increase Africa’s water availability, sustainability, and resilience.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging rainwater collection and storage is crucial. By capturing rain during wet seasons, communities can have a reliable water source during dry spells. This practice reduces dependence on groundwater and surface water, making it more sustainable.
- Community-Based Water Management: Educating and engaging local communities in water management decisions fosters ownership and sustainable practices. Community-led initiatives can address specific needs and adapt to changing climate conditions.
- Policy and Implementation: The transition to renewable water management in Africa requires not only technological innovation but also robust policy frameworks and community engagement. Governments and stakeholders must collaborate to create policies that incentivize water conservation, protect natural water catchments, and support the adoption of efficient water use practices.