Review of African groundwater resources

Abstract

Africa is bedevilled by recurrent water supply problems to its teeming millions most of them scattered in far-flung rural units without infrastructural facilities. In this paper we have attempted to elaborate on the problems facing water resources development, devoting efforts mainly to ground water resources. Based on research results of various workers and groups on the continent, we were able to show that despite the unfavourable hydrologic situation where almost 80 % of incident precipitation is lost through evapotranspiration processes, there is enough of this resource to cater for the present and future needs of the continent. The paper further identifies areas suitable for groundwater development mentioning where problems may likely be encountered and cautions care against over-development especially in arid and semi-arid regions and in coastal areas. Extensive regional aquifers which are present throughout the continent offer the best possibilities for large scale groundwater development and need to be studied in more detail. Finally, based on our work in Africa, suggestions are made to improve on problems such as man-power deficiencies, planning and management strategies, data generation and retrieval, quality control and monitoring, legislation and above all, introduction of adaptable technology.