Time for a Groundwater Revolution: Security and Water Supply in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tuesday, August 6, 2019: 4:10 p.m.
Jude Cobbing, Ph.D. , World Bank

Groundwater is the main source of domestic water for most Africans, and it supports widespread small-scale irrigation. Groundwater is especially vital in the drought-prone African drylands. Yet, in contrast to India, China, California and other regions, Africa has had no large-scale groundwater-led “green revolution”, and few associated economic benefits. This is despite major groundwater potential – most African countries use less than 10% of their sustainable, renewable groundwater resource. Sub-Saharan Africa’s population will double by 2050, and urban populations will triple. Africa needs a step-change in groundwater use – a groundwater revolution. This will improve food security, urban living conditions, and climate resilience, and boost economic growth. A mix of political-economy factors is likely responsible for the current low levels of groundwater use in Sub-Saharan Africa, together with an ascendant international groundwater discourse of crisis, caution and scarcity that is more relevant to heavily exploited regions. Since water supply is closely coupled with security and stability in Africa, and African stability greatly influences global security, now is the time for groundwater thought leaders and influential groundwater organizations to support a groundwater-led green revolution in Africa.
Jude Cobbing, Ph.D., World Bank
Jude Cobbing, Ph.D., has worked as a hydrogeologist for 19+ years, in the United Kingdom, in Africa, and in the United States. His professional interests include rural water supply, groundwater management, groundwater data, groundwater and climate, and the training of hydrogeologists. He has a BS in Geology from the University of Cape Town, an MS in hydrogeology from London University, and a PhD in groundwater management from Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. He is based in Washington DC, where he consults for the World Bank and other organizations.