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Water resources development in Africa: a review and synthesis of issues, potentials, and strategies for the future

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  • Rosegrant, Mark W.
  • Perez, Nicostrato D.

Abstract

This paper analyzes how water resources development and water policy reform can be deployed to address the twin problems of food insecurity and water scarcity in Africa and, in particular, Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper reviews the current status of water supply and demand, and the existing and potential irrigated land base in Africa; reviews the performance of existing irrigation systems and assesses the magnitude of the potential contribution and cost-effectiveness of new irrigation development to future food production in Africa; and explores the potential for water conservation through demand management. Meeting the challenges of food security and water scarcity in Africa will require both selective development and exploitation of new water supplies and comprehensive policy reform that encourages efficient use of existing supplies. The most significant reforms will involve changing the institutional and legal environment in which water is supplied to one that empowers water users to make their own decisions regarding the resource. Irrigation development will not be the main source of food production growth in Africa, but increased investment in irrigation could have an important role in reducing projected cereal import demands. Rehabilitation and improvement of existing irrigation systems can be an attractive option, but projects must be selected carefully.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosegrant, Mark W. & Perez, Nicostrato D., 1997. "Water resources development in Africa: a review and synthesis of issues, potentials, and strategies for the future," EPTD discussion papers 28, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:eptddp:28
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Karen G. Villholth, 2013. "Groundwater irrigation for smallholders in Sub-Saharan Africa - a synthesis of current knowledge to guide sustainable outcomes," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(4), pages 369-391, July.
    2. Easter, K. William & Zekri, Slim, 2003. "Reform Of Irrigation Management And Investment Policy In African Development," Conference Papers 28067, University of the Free State, Department of Agricultural Economics.
    3. Sithembile Ndema Mwamakamba & Lindiwe Majele Sibanda & Jamie Pittock & Richard Stirzaker & Henning Bjornlund & Andre van Rooyen & Paiva Munguambe & Makarius Victor Mdemu & Japhet J. Kashaigili, 2017. "Irrigating Africa: policy barriers and opportunities for enhanced productivity of smallholder farmers," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5), pages 824-838, September.
    4. Rosegrant, Mark W. & Ringler, Claudia, 1999. "Impact on food security and rural development of reallocating water from agriculture:," EPTD discussion papers 47, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    5. Hanatani, Atsushi & Sato, Mine, 2011. "Assessing Effectiveness and Sustainability of Communitymanaged Informal Irrigation in Africa: A Comparative Institutional Analysis of “Temporary" Irrigation in Malawi," Working Papers 34, JICA Research Institute.
    6. Rosegrant, Mark W. & Ringler, Claudia & Paisner, Michael S., 2000. "Agricultural Research, Technology and World Food Markets," 2000 Conference, August 13-18, 2000, Berlin, Germany 197201, International Association of Agricultural Economists.

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