Water Resources Development in West Africa beyond the Year 2000: Problems, Needs and Priorities

Abstract

ABSTRACT West Africa is endowed with abundant surface water resources (in excess of 500 x 109 m3/yr). However, during this decade, only 24% of the average runoff could be available as live storage in reservoirs. Estimates put groundwater reserves at more than 1500 x 109 m3, of which a renewable extraction of 165 x 109 m3/yr could be available, but only a small fraction of this quantity is being profitably tapped. Certain constraints—the high costs of developing water supply sources, persistent drought, population explosion, poor programming and planning, faulty pricing and inappropriate technology—have resulted in water shortages and have prevented a truly sustainable development of the economies of the region. Reversing the above patterns and trends, and forging administrative and technical cooperation among the developing countries of the region—particularly through interbasin water transfer programs—is imperative in order to achieve sustainable development during this decade and beyond.