Exploring the Link Between Water and Food in Africa

Water and Food in Africa is an interdisciplinary blog dedicated to discussing the most topical debates at the intersection of the water and food security fields.


My interest in water and food in Africa stems from my Ghanaian heritage and family conversations about the pressing water and food insecurity issues in Ghana. With 1 in 3 Africans currently experiencing water scarcity and nearly 400 million Africans lacking access to basic drinking water, water and food insecurity in Africa persist as topical issues among native and global communities.


What is Water Scarcity?

Areas experiencing water scarcity can be categorised as either being physically or economically water scarce.


Physical water scarcity occurs when more than 75% of river flows in a country are withdrawn for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes and the country cannot meet future water demands after accounting for its adaptive capacity (Damkjaer and Taylor, 2017). Regions including the Middle East and North Africa are classified as physically water scarce due to their arid climate and low rainfall which limits available freshwater.



Comparatively, economically water scarce regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa have sufficient water resources but lack the necessary infrastructure needed to access water sources and make them available to citizens (Rijsberman, 2006). 


The link between water and food scarcity

The FAO defines food insecurity as a person’s lack of regular access to safe and nutritious food.


Figure 1: IMF Map showing Global Food Insecurity


Increasing demand for water in food production has brought to light the strong link between water and food scarcity, notably within agricultural processes such as irrigation.  Projections indicate that there needs to be a 300% increase in irrigation water resources in Africa by 2080 to meet the food demands of growing populations (Fischer et al., 2007; Mancuso et al., 2015). Moreover, with climate change threatening to alter global precipitation patterns and temperatures in addition to rapid population growth putting added strain on water sources and food production, there is a pertinent need to recognise the importance of sustainable water resources as African nations strive to meet the food demands of their populations (Mancuso et al., 2015).

Similarly to water scarcity, anthropogenic factors also create food insecurity in Africa. Amartya Sens’ ‘entitlement’ approach (1981) expanded upon existing understandings of food insecurity, revealing that inadequate food availability is not the sole cause of food insecurity and famine. Sen attributed the following factors to famine:

  • Exchange failure stems from poverty and high food prices, reducing the demand for food due to affordability issues
  • Response failure which highlights inadequate humanitarian and government intervention to prevent famines, intensifying the impact of famine events

His explanation of the causes of famine encourages us to consider a broad range of socio-economic and political causes of food insecurity in Africa.


Over the next 5 blog posts, I will critically delve into the multifaceted topics of water and food in Africa across a variety of contexts, beginning with a critical analysis of recurring famines in the Horn of Africa.

Comments

  1. Manny Lozano29 October 2023 at 09:16

    Hey Ajoa, I can tell you've spent a lot of time on this post, was a really interesting read. It was insightful to hear about your Ghanaian heritage and how thats developed your personal viewpoint. Your points on climate change have inspired some further reading for myself and I will definitely now be doing a post on climate change. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ajoa2 November 2023 at 10:32

      Hi Manny, thanks for reading and I'm glad to hear that my work has inspired you! I look forward to reading your post on climate change.

      Delete
  2. Bejna Doldur29 October 2023 at 15:26

    Such a good blog! Love the fact that you have mentioned how this is a topic close to home. Very insightful and touching.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ajoa2 November 2023 at 10:33

      Hi Bejna, thanks for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed the post!

      Delete
  3. Samuel White4 November 2023 at 08:15

    A great blog, Ajoa. I appreciated the introduction and definition of 'water scarcity' as a key phrase. This is an exciting set of blogs, ones I will read thoroughly! Good work, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ajoa16 November 2023 at 02:03

      Hey Sam, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed this post and I look forward to reading your posts over the coming weeks!

      Delete
  4. Grace15 November 2023 at 01:35

    This is a great blog, its very touching you have chosen an example more personal to you. I like how you have linked water scarcity to anthropogenic factors. I am excited to read the rest!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Arun Patel5 January 2024 at 10:10

    I think this is a really good opening blog Ajoa. What approaches do you personally think could be most effective in tackling water scarcity and food insecurity?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ajoa7 January 2024 at 12:17

    Thanks! In Africa specifically there needs to be a multifaceted approach. It's important to improve water infrastructures, improve national and regional resource management and consider sustainable agricultural and water extraction practices because of our changing climate. Community-based resource management can also offer sustainable solutions to water and food scarcity too.

    ReplyDelete

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