Africa’s Water Crisis Require Urgent Action For Clean Water, Climate Resilience

Water is not just a resource; it is the lifeline of our planet. Water is vital to maintain health, grow food, generate energy, manage the environment and create jobs. In Africa, a significant portion of the population faces challenges in accessing safe drinking water and sanitation, with over 411 million people lacking basic drinking water services. This not only poses significant health risks but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality thus, the need for action and sustainable solutions.

Access to clean water is essential for socio-economic development, while lack of access to clean water disproportionately affects women and girls who often bear the responsibility of collecting water for their families, a task that can consume valuable time and energy, limiting their opportunities for education and economic empowerment.

By ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation, societies can unlock the potential of their citizen, particularly women and girls, leading to improved livelihoods and economic growth.

Water scarcity in many parts of Africa has been exacerbated by factors such as climate change, water pollution, population growth and inadequate infrastructure. According to WHO/ UNICEF JMP 2022 Report, these factors have led to projected water scarcity for close to 230 million Africans living in areas where demand for water periodically exceeds the available supply.  Slow-motion drought disasters are forcing migration and deepening food insecurity.

Severe impacts such as increased health risks from waterborne diseases, food insecurity and socio-economic challenges, have been severely experienced in Africa. A recent World Bank report, Droughts and Deficits, highlights the long-term impacts, whereby, children born during droughts suffer malnutrition, limiting economic opportunities for decades. Without action, these cycles of deprivation will persist.

As stated by Saroj Kumar, the Global Water Director World Bank, Over the last 50 years, natural water storage has declined by 27 trillion cubic meters globally, due to land degradation, groundwater depletion and loss of wetlands. Meanwhile, 83% of freshwater species have disappeared signaling a broader collapse of ecosystems that once sustained water resources.

As the World is set to celebrate World Water Day on 22^nd March 2025, it is the moment of reflecting on  the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources as a way of emphasizing the importance of water conservation.

This will provide an opportunity for communities, Governments and organizations to come together and renew their commitments to water conservation and peace-building efforts.

Smart water solutions such as investing in infrastructure, improving water management, promoting hygiene and sanitation, community involvement and financing will do more than ensure resilience and security. They will help drive economic development, create jobs and sustain livelihoods. Reliable water access supports agriculture, energy and industry.

Water security is not just about avoiding scarcity, it underpins resilience, economic stability and disaster risk reduction.  Without water, economies falter, food production collapses, and public health deteriorates.

Jackline Kalunge, PACJA