Take a second and just think. There is 1,400 million cubic
km of water in the world. Of this 45 000
cubic km are available in fresh water resources (FOA, 2010). So why
does 345 million of Africa’s population still live in a water scarce environment (United
Nations, 2013). Is it just me who thinks this is crazy?
Water scarcity is a major global crisis, with a particular
focus in African regions. Hydrologists define the term using population to
water equations, accounting any value below 1700 cubic meters per capita as the
minimum threshold water requirements for agricultural, energy and industrial production.
The Human Development Report states
irrigation for agriculture accounts for more than 80% of water consumption in Africa.
Uncertainties surrounding future access to reliable water sources makes
the water-agriculture relationship an intriguing topic.
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| The map illustrates the concentration of water scarce populations in Africa (United Nations, 2012) |
Africa’s population has doubled within
the past 30 years. The most direct consequence of this exponential population
growth is the heightened demand for food. Despite this need, cereal growth has
only increased by a proportion of 1.8 (United
Nations, 2013). Agricultural production needs to increase. Irrigation, on
both a small and large scale has been explored, as a solution to this issue. Yet
are there freshwater water resources available for such use? If so, then is the
rate of extraction, needed to support a population growth, sustainable?
Why should you care? You like mange tout (I mean who doesn’t?!?)
Then read on.
Water scarcity, experienced in Africa, will only intensify
as impacts of climate change become more apparent (climate change being one of
many parameters which may threaten the reliability of water sources). The implications associated with a reduction in fresh water resources
may be felt on a global scale.
So,
mange tout. Kenya is one of the largest exporters of leguminous vegetables
(peas, beans, mange tout) globally. In 1988, exports of such vegetables stood
at 3,800 tonnes, by 2005 this had risen to 25,000 tonnes (RGS,
2006). Increased food demand and limited water supply may result in a drop
in agricultural productions, so say good bye to your beloved mange tout…
Over the next few months, through this blog, I will be
exploring the debates surrounding water and agriculture in Africa. I will begin
by addressing topics such as the limitations to irrigating, physical and socioeconomic
restrictions to water access, gender inequality in agriculture and much more. A
particular area of interest which I will aim to address is the future risks and
predictions to the water-agriculture relationship such as the influence of
climate change, unsustainable levels of ground water extraction and any the
political implications surrounding these.
So remember, this is not just Africa’s crisis. You should
care.
Great start and nice background photo!
ReplyDeleteGreat start and nice background photo!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Charlie. Having been asked by your aunt to have a look, I have, I'm impressed. I will follow your work with interest. After all. No water, no life. There are things that can be done to rectify this appalling situation. In the developed world we take water for granted. Turn the tap and there it is. Many people in Africa, and indeed other parts of the world do not have that basic necessity. We in the developed could, and should, do something about it. Keep up the good work Charlie.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting and something I will definitely be talking to the children about at school. It's hard for them to understand the need for us to preserve water and protect the planet because they can just turn a tap on but many children across the world cannot do this.
ReplyDeleteWill follow what you are doing and keep the children updated. Ali