The value of water as a key resource that every human being depends on for their livelihood is underscored by the popular saying, “Water is Life.”
Clean Water Improves Health and Sanitation Standards
When communities lack access to clean and safe water, a lot of health and sanitation-related challenges become prevalent in society. The major health problem associated with water scarcity is the risk of exposure to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, guinea worm, and trachoma, among others. Unfortunately, underprivileged communities and neighborhoods face the greatest risk because, aside from lacking water, they also live in deplorable sanitary conditions.
Children are the biggest casualties, as those living in areas without clean water are twice as likely to suffer from waterborne diseases. Water scarcity in Africa leads to underdeveloped sewage and drainage systems, affecting sanitation standards and creating a favorable environment for diseases. Most areas facing health and sanitation issues due to water scarcity have high populations that strain the few water resources available.
Creating awareness and prioritizing the issues of dealing with the water crisis is essential in preventing waterborne diseases.
Clean Water Improves Education
Lack of water causes many children to miss school, affecting their learning. Children from populations affected by water scarcity often have to trek long distances to fetch water, leading to school absenteeism. When clean water is easily accessible, children are spared from diseases and can focus on their studies. Schools providing water programs have higher enrollment rates.
Children from water-scarce areas miss out on education privileges others enjoy. Various stakeholders have initiated projects to keep children in school, especially in water-scarce regions. Lack of water creates challenges in the home environment, affecting children’s focus on studies due to constant disruptions.
Clean Water Boosts Agriculture and Food Supply
Agriculture in Africa relies on water, making it difficult to achieve sustainable agriculture without adequate water access. Water is essential for crops and animals to grow and flourish. Countries in Africa depend on agriculture for their economies, and water availability directly impacts agricultural expansion. Addressing food supply requires improving access to safe and clean water.
Preserving and preparing food is challenging without water. Most of Africa’s water resources are used for agriculture, emphasizing the importance of water in agricultural activities. Measures to mitigate water scarcity contribute to ensuring a steady food supply chain.
Clean Water Contributes to Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, and Opportunity
Women in Africa spend billions of hours annually walking long distances in search of water, with a majority of the water collection being done by women. Women bear the responsibility of water collection and water-related issues in most African homes. Improving access to water sources empowers women, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and education.
Enhanced access to water allows women to reclaim their lives, engage in economic activities, and provide opportunities for girls’ education. When communities have improved water access, women and girls benefit the most.
Clean Water Secures Future Generations
Water is crucial for present and future generations. By addressing water scarcity and ensuring adequate provision of water resources, future generations can enjoy a comfortable life with improved social and economic development opportunities.
Sustainable water solutions are essential to accommodate the expected population increase by 2030. Failure to address water scarcity will lead to worsened disease prevalence, increased marginalization of women and girls, and potential conflicts over limited water resources.
How to Address Water Challenges Africa is Currently Facing
Consistent investment in water infrastructure, proper water resource management, maintenance, operations, and strengthening regulatory and policy frameworks are necessary to address water challenges Africa is facing and achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Long-Term Solutions to Solve Africa’s Water Crisis
Solving water scarcity in Africa requires long-term measures and increased participation from various stakeholders. Addressing corruption, government participation, ensuring political stability, and developing better infrastructure are key strategies to overcoming Africa’s water crisis.
Addressing Corruption
Corruption, perpetuated by government officials, water vendors, and large farm owners, is a significant cause of the water crisis in Africa. Misappropriation of funds and diversion of water supply lines deny millions of poor Africans access to clean drinking water. Government officials and community leaders must take action to combat corruption in the water sector.
Government Participation
Governments must lead mitigation efforts against the water crisis in Africa to ensure easier access to clean water. Recognizing and supporting private and community initiatives aimed at addressing the water crisis is crucial for successful implementation.
Ensuring Political Stability
Political conflicts have contributed to water inaccessibility in Africa. Efforts to quickly resolve water-related conflicts internally and externally are essential for improving water access and availability.
Better Infrastructure
Developing sound water infrastructure is crucial for providing clean and safe drinking water to communities in Africa. African countries must collaborate and harness technology to establish sustainable water systems that can solve the continent’s water crisis.