Africa's vast underground water resources are under pressure from climate change - how to manage them
This groundwater provides almost 50% of all global domestic use and 43% of all the water used for agriculture.
- This groundwater provides almost 50% of all global domestic use and 43% of all the water used for agriculture.
- These facts and figures are in a recent World Bank report which unpacks issues facing groundwater in times of climate change.
- It’s vital that African countries address these as pressure increases on the continent’s water resources, through growing populations, development and changing weather patterns.
Key issues
- South Africa has used laws and policies to transfer the ownership of resources to the government.
- But this has led to issues around red tape and licensing permits, which determine how water is allocated.
- The success of permit systems depends on a thorough understanding of the resources, property owners’ compliance with granted user rights, and the enforcement of this regulation.
- These historical pieces of infrastructure have been abandoned in recent times, but could solve many of the water shortage issues in the semi-arid to arid areas of Africa.
- Human activities, such as over-pumping, could adversely affect how they function and lead to a loss of biodiversity.
- The conservation of these water bodies is of the utmost importance for the preservation of water resources and livelihoods.
Managing resources
- Coupled with good practical solutions, such as managing pump rates, this will sustain groundwater resources for many years to come.
- This is unfortunate as the ability to measure allows better management of groundwater resources.