African water resources situation, key issues and strategies

Abstract

Africa faces critical challenges in water resource management, primarily due to uneven distribution, climate variability, and escalating demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and agricultural needs. While frameworks such as the Mar del Plata Action Plan (1977) and the Lagos Plan of Action (1980) have been established, progress remains slow, hindered by institutional fragmentation, inadequate legislation, and insufficient human resources. Key issues include the concentration of 50% of surface water in the Congo Basin, low access to clean water and sanitation, heavy agricultural reliance on water (with 88% of withdrawals for irrigation), transboundary water management complexities, and the increasing impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods. Proposed strategies for addressing these challenges focus on enhancing institutional coordination, improving data collection, promoting low-cost irrigation, strengthening regional cooperation for transboundary water use, and improving preparedness for climate-related events. Effective solutions will require integrated policies, capacity building, and significant investments in sustainable water management to support Africa’s socio-economic development and ensure equitable access to water resources.