WATER SCARCITY AND WAYS TO OVERCOME IT IN AFRICA

Abstract

Water is the main source of life. Consequently, water scarcity leads to critical indicators in socio-economic aspects, the ecological situation and deterioration in public health. Water scarcity in developing countries in Africa is the result of natural factors, management issues, socioeconomic causes. The main area of water deficit is located in the arid and semi-arid (ASALs) zones of developing countries in Africa. For the sustainable development goals in developing countries, water resources are key to achieving the causal pathways of water stress in Africa. The solution to the problem of water scarcity lies in effective water resources management based on a program to increase literacy in the field of water use, the introduction of water–saving technologies and investment decisions. Achievements in combating water deficit contribute to poverty reduction (SDG 1), the elimination of hunger (SDG 2), the protection of health (SDG 3), and the preservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems( SDG 14 and 15). The article reviews the factors contributing to water scarcity and possible ways to resolve this problem. Economic growth in developing African countries is currently unstable, and water policy is weak. In this condition, water stress in Africa is influenced by both physical structures and management strategies.