Utilization of resources : the role of water in the development of human settlements in Africa

Abstract

The main components of water demand are usually grouped as municipal, agricultural and rural, and industrial (see attached figure ). There, is no universally accepted classification of these components as there is usually some degree of overlap among the categories in addition to differences in definition and interpretation. Some categories do not fit under any of the above three groups for example, recreation, the preservation or extension of swamp and wetland habitat and conservation or utilization of estuaries.