Sustainable Groundwater Development for Improved Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and challenges of intensifying groundwater irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for improving smallholder agrarian livelihoods. It highlights the underutilization of groundwater resources in the region, despite their abundance, and the vulnerability of smallholders to weather patterns and droughts. Improved irrigation capabilities through sustainable groundwater development could unlock smallholder farming, drive economic growth, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and improved food security. However, tapping into groundwater requires a major shift in farming practices and faces challenges such as smallholder access to land and finance, gender-related barriers, and institutional support. The chapters in the book present a diverse range of perspectives and experiences across the region, contributing to a better understanding of the barriers and pathways toward sustainable groundwater irrigation adoption.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the multifaceted benefits and complexities of intensifying groundwater irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for enhancing smallholder agrarian livelihoods. Despite the vast abundance of groundwater resources in the subcontinent, only a mere 3% is currently utilized for irrigated agriculture. The majority of smallholders in the region rely heavily on seasonal dryland cropping, making them extremely vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns and droughts. By improving irrigation capabilities through sustainable groundwater development, the potential for smallholder farming to become a significant driver of economic growth, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and improved food security is immense.

However, the underutilization of groundwater is a complex issue that requires a significant shift in farming practices. Tapping into groundwater presents its own challenges and requirements, including smallholder access to land and finance for irrigation infrastructure and equipment, as well as gender-responsive and equitable adoption options. These factors are intricately linked to supply chains, energy access, resource availability, and institutional support.

The chapters in this book offer a diverse and nuanced perspective, showcasing the heterogeneity of the region while also highlighting common denominators along the pathways toward sustainable and transformative groundwater irrigation adoption. The scientific information presented herein is of utmost interest to researchers, practitioners, decision-makers, and planners with a focus on the SSA region.

Originally published as a Special Issue of the Water International journal, this book contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable water management and agricultural development in the region.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032391915