Water and Food in Africa

We've mentioned why water security matters for society. This blog will further discuss on who cares about the water security issues and international aid from those sectors which aims to improve water and food securities.  NGOs & Policy Makers Recalling the SGD goals mentioned in our introduction , many NGOs have been committed to helping government in Africa achieve the SGD goals, so that Africa can have a sustainable environment and community. Here is water for people, an NGO talking about their goals for water access. They primary goal is to create a world where every person has access to reliable and safe water and sanitation services. ( WFP, 2023 ) Video 1:Reaching Everyone Forever (WFP) Community Groups For community groups, water is more likely a political issue. In Kumbo, People  campaigned to remove the government water managers and replace them with a community managed system because access to safe water supply through government is never free( Page,2003 ). ...

In the realm of water scarcity and global trade, a term emerged in 1993 that would go on to reshape our understanding of interconnected systems: virtual water ( Allan ,2003 ) . The concept of virtual water refers to the water needed to produce agricultural commodities ( Allan ,2003 ). Expanding its scope beyond agriculture could encompass the water required for non-agricultural goods.  Importing food therefore can mean that a country is importing not only the actual food but also the virtual water associated with its production. This can have implications for the water footprint of the importing country. Water-scarce regions might indirectly benefit from virtual water imports, relieving pressure on their own water resources. Figure 1, virtual water balance per country( Allan ,2003 ) What makes virtual water compelling is its role in addressing water deficits through global trade.  69% the world's freshwater withdrawals are used in agricultural industry( Schlosser,et al., 2014 ...

In this blog, we will continue to argue the effect of modern techniques in Africa .The utilization of floodplains with  indigenous knowledge and modern techniques is a typical example that shows different impact on sustaining communities and ecosystems. In the Inner Niger Delta, a prehistoric domestication of rice took place, showcasing the intricate understanding of local communities. Approximately 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa's irrigation comes from "small-scale and traditional" methods, exemplifying the resilience and efficacy of indigenous approaches. In regions like the Sudd, these methods support vast populations, with 785,000 cattle, 177,000 sheep and goats, 1.5 million cattle, 2.1 million sheep and goats, and 700,000 camels thriving in the Inner Niger Delta ( Blaser, 2013 ) . The Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Basin contribute significantly to the fisheries sector, yielding 19,296 tonnes of fish, underscoring the multifunctional nature of indigenous agricultural systems ...

In ancient times, people hardly carry out scientific research for agriculture and rely on machinery during labor. Instead, they relied on their deep-rooted understanding of the land. Shaped by generations of trial, error, and astute observation ， this experience became indigenous knowledge.   In the dynamic landscape of climate change and shifting demographics, African communities are showcasing remarkable resilience through ingenious adaptive strategies deeply embedded in their cultural heritage. Indigenous knowledge about flood patterns becomes crucial, as the risk of dry spells threatens crops. Local communities often possess invaluable insights into which areas will flood, allowing for adaptive agricultural practices. The following approaches also using indigenous knowledges not only help communities adapt but also promote sustainable living Flood-Recession Agriculture Imagine turning the seasonal flooding of rivers into an opportunity. That's precisely what happens with f...

Natural Reserves: Lack Of Water? Africa is often stereotyped as a water-scarce continent: When we talk about the Sahara, we subconsciously associate it with a desert. However, reality challenges this perception. Despite covering 18% of the global land area, sub-Saharan and North Africa together possess around 9% of the world's water resources (FAO, 2003) . Sub-Saharan Africa has an annual renewable groundwater supply of approximately 1,500 square kilometers, surpassing even water-intensive agricultural giants like China and India(Gleick, 2000). figure1.Annual renewable groundwater supplies in sub-Saharan Africa and other countries, 1,000 m 3  per person. (FAO ,2023)   Despite the overall abundance of groundwater, its utility is hindered by geological constraints and distribution disparities. The majority of groundwater resources are in hard rock areas, which will lead to high extraction costs( Giordano,2006 ). Africa's abundant land and sparse populations also result in...

The common portrayal of Africa often revolves around drought and poverty. However, this depiction often stems from media coverage, which means that it often involves a lot of stereotypes. Is Africa truly short of water and food?What is the intricate and interconnected reality concerning water and food in Africa? Will water management and agriculture in Africa be challenged in a changing climate? How can local management systems be established to aid Africa in effectively managing water and food production? The following blog posts will be focused on the relationship between water resources and food production in Africa from different perspectives Why water and food matters to Africa? Water and food are two vital elements that profoundly impact society. According to 17 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) that United Nations established in 2015, water and food usually plays direct roles and indirect roles when achieving these goals. For example, SDG 2 aims to end hunger, achieve food...