title: Balancing water resources development and environmental sustainability in Africa: a review of recent research findings and applications.
abstract: Sustainable development in Africa is dependent on increasing use of the continent's water resources without significantly degrading ecosystem services that are also fundamental to human wellbeing. This is particularly challenging in Africa because of high spatial and temporal variability in the availability of water resources and limited amounts of total water availability across expansive semi-arid portions of the continent. The challenge is compounded by ambitious targets for increased water use and a rush of international funding to finance development activities. Balancing development with environmental sustainability requires (i) understanding the boundary conditions imposed by the continent's climate and hydrology today and into the future, (ii) estimating the magnitude and spatial distribution of water use needed to meet development goals, and (iii) understanding the environmental water requirements of affected ecosystems, their current status and potential consequences of increased water use. This article reviews recent advancements in each of these topics and highlights innovative approaches and tools available to support sustainable development. While much remains to be learned, scientific understanding and technology should not be viewed as impediments to sustainable development on the continent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX, Delft, The Netherlands. m.mcclain@unesco-ihe.org
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: McClain
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D002980:Climate; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004736:Energy-Generating Resources; D005523:Food Supply; D012106:Research; D062066:Water Resources