Why Reducing Water Stress in Sub-Saharan Africa Is Important

Stephen Robert, founder and trustee of Source of Hope Foundation, has contributed to causes that assist under-served communities around the world. In addition to his work in the Middle East, Stephen Robert has assisted people living in the Ethiopian provinces of Konso and Derashe with getting fresh, clean water.

While inroads have been made, water stress is a very real impediment to business in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the last two decades, world organizations have recognized the water shortage crisis on the continent. While the focus has been on the health impacts (sanitary conditions and spread of disease), there has also been a financial impact to the area. Potentially, many African nations could flourish agriculturally except for the scarcity of clean water. Health is always more important than finance, but in this case, water stress impacts health. For example, a study completed 15 years ago reported that Kenya’s GDP declined by 16 percent during the 1999-2000 drought.

Almost 20 years later, water stress is still an issue for most nations in this region. To address water scarcity, world and charitable organizations will have to take a three-pronged approach. First and foremost, countries in this region need potable water programs that address challenges to hygiene and sanitation.

Other solutions address reducing water stress by focusing on its economic impact. For example, providing farmers with clean water is a priority because 90 percent of the rural population relies on water to farm. And, because these areas are prone to drought, there is a risk that has to be addressed and managed. Finally, those assisting African governments with addressing water stress needs should consider investing in green infrastructure that will improve water yields.

Even with the overwhelming incidence of water stress throughout the continent, there have been some bright spots. In Kenya, farmers have been assisted with learning how to increase water supply from the Tana River. Moreover, the Ethiopian government has invested in services that have improved water sanitation.