Approximately 40 transboundary aquifer systems underlie the African continent. The considerable amounts of water stored underground provide significant opportunities for the social and economic development of many African countries. Its relevance is growing as high quality surface water resources become scarcer and less reliable with growing population, increasing pollution, and the effects of climate change.
By nature, most groundwater aquifers underlie more than one country. While transboundary river and lake basins have been studied extensively, information on Africa’s groundwater resources is relatively scarce: What are typical riparian constellations and specific cooperation problems on transboundary aquifers? What are the incentives for the riparian states to cooperate? Are river/lake basin organizations adequate forums for transboundary aquifer management? A new study prepared by the German Development Institute presenting the outcomes of the research project “Transboundary Groundwater Management in Africa” contributes to filling these knowledge gaps. Based on five detailed case studies, a literature-based screening of 40 African transboundary aquifer systems, as well as experiences in other parts of the world, the authors identify suitable cooperation mechanisms and recommendations for German development cooperation.
The project results were presented during a one day seminar dedicated to transboundary groundwater management in Africa at the World Water Week in Stockholm on August 16. In her presentation, Waltina Scheumann stressed that even though negative transboundary impacts deriving from national groundwater usage are rarely observed at present, they may well develop if national unilateral activities continue. If the potential of groundwater utilization is going to be realized, interstate cooperation will become imperative in order to prevent a race to the pump house. (Annika Kramer and Waltina Scheumann)

The project results will be published in the German Development Institute's "Studies" Series in November 2008 here.

Further information can be obtained from Waltina Scheumann at waltina.scheumann@die-gdi.de  

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, October 2007