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Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common across the world. As Africa marks Water Week, academics take a look at how the continent is faring when it comes to terms with more flooding, on the one hand, and more intensive droughts on the other.
Most African countries don’t have proper plans and systems in place to manage the consequences of severe floods. In the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, the government was finally forced to take drastic action after poor planning resulted in unlicensed developments mushrooming on the banks of the city’s rivers. Sean Avery explains what led to the demolition of 4000 buildings along riparian land in the city. African cities face the real threat
of droughts too. Kevin Winter and Peta Brom suggest how municipalities should deal with water restrictions.
In Nigeria, as Nelson Odume explains, dams often burst during heavy rainfalls leading to fatalities and extensive damage. In Ghana, the state employs rescue and emergency relief efforts after flooding events instead of implementing proactive, long-term measures. Jerry Chati Tasantab and colleagues give pointers on how the government could do better.
How water is managed also has serious consequences for agriculture, still the continent’s largest source of employment. Andrew Slaughter says African countries must urgently develop strategic policies around water, land and agriculture. And Lenore Manderson explains why scientists must work across disciplines to connect the dots between climate change and public health.
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