Southern African countries collaborate for water security

Water security is a critical issue facing many African countries, and the importance of groundwater in addressing this challenge cannot be understated. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Karen Villholth, Sub-Theme Leader on Groundwater and Underground Solutions, highlighted the significance of groundwater in the face of climate change and its potential impact on African communities. Villholth emphasized that as climate change progresses and influences weather patterns, the availability of fresh water across the continent is being significantly affected. While many may associate groundwater with regions like the Sahara, where nomads and caravans have historically relied on Oasis for survival, the importance of groundwater in other parts of Africa cannot be overlooked. With surface water sources becoming less available and more erratic, communities are increasingly turning to groundwater to build resilience in the face of climate change. One notable example is Cape Town, where the development of groundwater resources played a crucial role in providing a safety net during a severe water drought. Villholth stressed the need for proactive planning and sustainable development of groundwater resources to ensure water security for African communities, particularly in rural areas. She also highlighted the importance of integrating groundwater management into broader drought mitigation plans to address water scarcity effectively. Despite the challenges faced in accessing and managing water resources, Villholth remains optimistic about the potential for improving water security in Africa. By raising awareness and garnering support for groundwater initiatives, she believes that resilience and water security can be enhanced across the continent. The upcoming UNEF Groundwater conference is seen as a pivotal opportunity to elevate the importance of groundwater on the global agenda and secure investments for its sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, stakeholders aim to increase water security and build resilience in Africa and beyond.