Climate change and water security in West Africa – Niger and Burkina Faso.
As part of a water and climate campaign, WaterAid West Africa has conducted two research studies on the impacts of climate change on water security in the region, focusing on Burkina Faso and Niger.
West Africa, particularly the Sahel, is a climate change hotspot. Temperatures have risen by 2°C since 1950, and annual rainfall has steadily decreased. In Niger, average temperatures are expected to increase by 2°C to 4.6°C by 2080.
Many people in West Africa still depend on surface water, such as rivers and ponds, for drinking, washing and cleaning, but these sources of water are often unreliable and easily contaminated. An evaluation of available water resources in Burkina Faso indicates that, with ever-increasing demands for water, the country is heading towards water scarcity.
This situation affects key sectors that are important for development, such as agriculture, and endangers the wellbeing of more than 340 million people in the region. More than ever before, access to drinking water and sanitation remains a challenge for 40% and 60% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, a 3% growth in population in rural areas means that twice as much drinking water will be required in 25 years, and people who live in urban areas and rely on groundwater will become much more vulnerable due to rapid urbanisation.
