Opinion: Water Scarcity: Looming Global Crisis With A Focus On Africa

Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg.

He recently published an opinion article that first appeared in the Forbes Africa on 29 October 2024.

As far back as 1995, the former World Bank Vice President Dr Ismail Serageldin said: “If the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water – unless we change our approach to managing this precious and vital resource.” This is a reality that has already begun to manifest. The Pacific Institute, which tracks instances of water-related conflict, cited over 1,630 conflicts last year. The institute noted that there had been a distinct increase in recent years.

Water is our lifeline. In addition, access to water is a human right. Yet, statistics already indicate that there are significant disparities in access. Here, Africa is disproportionately impacted. In fact, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB), a third of Africans face water scarcity. A 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF report noted that 411 million people remain with- out basic drinking water services, 779 million lack access to basic sanitation, and 839 million are de- prived of basic hygiene facilities. The impact of water scarcity has already been tangibly viewed in African countries. For instance, just a few years ago, Cape Town in South Africa almost became the first city in the world to run out of water. Elsewhere, Zambia and Zimbabwe are experiencing severe power shortages because the water levels in Lake Kariba have drastically declined due to the effects of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and rising temperatures. As a result, both countries are now facing extended daily power cuts lasting between 12 to 18 hours as they depend heavily on Lake Kariba for hydro- electric power. While efforts to diversify energy sources are underway, the immediate future looks challenging.

These statistics and examples paint a harrowing image indeed, and the impact is profound. Perhaps most notably, this leaves a vast number of the population vulnerable to waterborne diseases like cholera or dysentery, which thrive in areas with unsafe water and poor sanitation. Moreover, inadequate sanitation increases the transmis- sion of infectious diseases. This results in a burdening of healthcare systems and poor health outcomes. Gender inequality rears its ugly head once again in this context as girls and women are disproportionately impacted by poor hygiene and sanitation facilities. This is of particular concern for menstruation and often leaves this segment of the population unable to participate at school and in economic activities. Beyond the health ramifications of water scarcity, this also has a detrimental effect on the economy. It directly impacts workforce productivity, limits educational opportunities for children and perpetuates cycles of poverty, which collectively hamper economic development. Then there are concerns around environmental degradation as pollution harms ecosystems and contributes to long-term environmental and health challenges in affected areas. Finally, water scarcity and poor sanitation also have a direct impact on food security. Agriculture, which relies on consistent access to water, suffers when water sources are contaminated or de- pleted. This makes it difficult for farmers to sustain crops and livestock. The impact is food shortages and malnutrition. As this overview demonstrates, water scarcity threatens the very tenets of sustainable development.

Related: UJ bringing water to the people

Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” So, what is to be done? Addressing water scarcity requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates infrastructure development, sustainable water management, and community involve- ment. Governments, international organizations, and local communities must collaborate to invest in essential water infrastructure, such as boreholes, wells, and water treatment plants. These projects can significantly improve access to clean water, particularly in remote and rural areas where shortages are most acute. Importantly, these projects require funding and political will. Moreover, promoting water conservation and efficient usage is key to reducing stress on existing water resources.

For example, in Cape Town, during the water crisis, the use of greywater was emphasized and flow restrictors were installed on taps and showers. As this period also demonstrated, education and awareness campaigns are vital in the effort to tackle water scarcity. By educating local communi- ties about the importance of proper sanitation and responsible water use, individuals can play an active role in preserving water resources. This form of grassroots engagement is essential for long-term success as it fosters community ownership and encourages the adoption of sustainable water practices.

Globally, we are in crisis. Our very survival is dependent on water. Once again, as other environmental challenges have revealed, Africa must contend with a much larger burden. And in the quest for sustainable development, we must be acutely aware of the challenges and our role. After all, Mahatma Gandhi’s words remind us: “The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So, we have to hand over to them at least as it was handed over to us.

*The views expressed in this article are that of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect that of the University of Johannesburg.

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