Water scarcity threatens Africa’s sustainable development goals

EXTREME weather and climate change are undermining human health and safety, food and water security, and socio-economic development on the African continent.

Rising water demand combined with limited and unpredictable supplies additionally threatens to aggravate conflict and displacement, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The State of the Climate in Africa 2021 report provides authoritative scientific information on temperature trends and other climate indicators.

The report noted water stress was estimated to affect 250 million people in Africa, and was expected to displace up to 700 million people by 2030.

Four out of five African countries were unlikely to have sustainably managed water resources by 2030.

“The worsening crisis and looming famine in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa shows how climate change can exacerbate water shocks, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and destabilising communities, countries and entire regions,” said WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas.

“Africa’s climate has warmed more than the global average since pre-industrial times (1850-1900).

“In parallel, the sea-level rise along African coastlines is faster than the global mean, contributing to increases in the frequency and severity of coastal flooding and erosion, and salinity in low-lying cities.

“Changes in continental water bodies have major impacts on the agriculture sector, ecosystems, biodiversity,” said Taalas.

The report made a number of recommendations including the strengthening of early warning systems, increasing transboundary cooperation, data exchange and knowledge sharing.

The need for more investment was also seen as crucial for integrated water resource management.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, Josefa Sacko said the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were under threat.

“Temperature increase, heat waves, extensive floods, tropical cyclones, prolonged droughts, and sea level rise resulting in loss of lives, property damage, and population displacement, undermine Africa’s ability to achieve its commitments to meet the targets of the United Nations SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, which outlines Africa’s path for attaining inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.”