In a region where water scarcity is a daily reality, the conversation around water management and conservation is not just timely, it’s critical. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Paul Mbole, a seasoned climate strategist working across Kenya and the wider region, whose insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities in ensuring water security for Africa.
Paul’s work, deeply rooted in the realities of climate-vulnerable communities, has given him a unique perspective on the urgent need for innovative solutions. “All 54 countries in Africa are considered to be water insecure, with 13 of them critically so,” he began, painting a stark picture of the continent’s water situation. However, he quickly offered a glimmer of hope: “A 2006 UNEP study demonstrated that there’s sufficient rainwater available in Africa to meet almost nine times the population.”
This revelation highlights a fundamental paradox: Africa’s water woes are not necessarily due to a lack of resources, but rather a lack of effective management. “In the Kenyan context,” Paul elaborated, “the rainfall can meet five to six times the current population. The challenge is that we’re not harvesting and utilizing our rainwater resources to the extent we could.”
So, what are the solutions? Paul pointed to a range of technologies, both simple and complex, that are making a difference. Managed aquifer recharge, for instance, is gaining traction, though he stressed the need to balance groundwater extraction with recharge efforts. Other promising technologies include infiltration wells, infiltration galleries, and check dams. For larger-scale projects, deep wells that channel water directly into aquifers offer a more complex, but potentially high-impact solution.
However, Paul was quick to emphasize that technology alone is not enough. “Water conservation is a collective responsibility,” he stated, highlighting the need for a holistic approach that extends from households to riparian areas, dams, and aquifer recharge. He also noted the potential of innovations like automated water ATMs and vending machines, but cautioned that they must be integrated into a broader conservation strategy that addresses the entire water cycle.
Moving beyond technology, our conversation turned to the key challenges hindering the implementation of water conservation strategies. Paul identified a significant hurdle: the lack of synergy between different sectors and across geographical boundaries. “Water is a cross-cutting issue,” he explained, “and its management shouldn’t be confined to the water sector alone.” He cited the example of dam desilting, highlighting the need to address the root causes of siltation, often related to deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices.
This lack of integrated thinking underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach water management. Paul’s insights paint a picture of a continent rich in potential, but hampered by fragmented efforts and a failure to fully embrace the collective responsibility required to ensure water security.
As Africa faces the growing challenges of climate change, Paul Mbole’s message is clear: innovation, collaboration, and a holistic approach are essential to unlock the continent’s untapped water resources. By embracing these principles, we can move closer to a future where water scarcity is no longer a barrier to sustainable development.
