2013 NGWA Summit — The National and International Conference on Groundwater

Educational Needs and Water Related Issues in Developing Nations

Monday, April 29, 2013: 9:00 a.m.
Regency West 4 (Hyatt Regency San Antonio)
Solomon Isiorho, Ph.D., MBA, Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)

It is a matter of education. What exactly are the problems with water resources in developing nations, like those in Africa? The lack of equipment, poor education and corruptions all contribute to water pollution issues in these developing nations. In Nigeria for example, there is a shortage of water more so in the northern part of the country than in the southern part. Some of the water shortage problem could be attributed to climate change.

The water pollution issue in Nigeria is of epidemic proportions as waterways are used for waste disposal. Groundwater in the country is becoming heavily polluted from land use, land change and other anthropogenic activities. Groundwater once thought to be safer than surface water is no longer true as high nitrate levels are found in potable water supply. With about 50% relying on groundwater, it is becoming of great concern since more trash is being generated without proper disposal methods. Poor drainage or lack of drainage systems is a potential source of pollution in Nigeria. Also, waste disposal is a nightmare as it has been shown to be a major source of pollutants to both surface water and groundwater. The poor record keeping practices are also creating confusion as to what is being done to reduce water pollution in the country. Due to lack of education, some of the citizens do not see the connection between surface water and groundwater. From studies and observations in the northern and southern parts of the country, education will be a major way to reduce water pollution in the country. Concerted efforts on the parts of the colleges and universities, non-profits, and governmental agencies will help to educate the citizens to find ways to reduce groundwater related issues in those developing nations.


Solomon Isiorho, Ph.D., MBA , Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)
Solomon Isiorho is a Chair and a Professor of Geology. His interest is in groundwater surface interaction. He has done research work in both North America and Africa.