Bridging science and policy to enhance water security in Africa and the Americas Workshop

Abstract

Over 300 million Africans don't have access to safe drinking water. About 14 African coun1ries are under the distress of acute water shortage. WHO estimates on domestic water use show that 35 of the 55 countries around the globe where people have access to less than 50 lit~ per person per day are located in Africa. Almost 50% of the continent's population suffers from one out of the six main water-related diseases. Actual withdrawals for agriculture, commlJllity water supply and industry in all but the Northern sub-region, are low as proportions of aviilable water: less than four percent of Africa's renewable water resources are withdrawn for agriculture, domestic supply and sanitation and industry. Presently, the vast majority of African countries are not tapping into the potential of irrigating agriculture.