Working Paper

Climate Change and Transboundary Water Resource Conflicts in Africa

“This paper argues that unless a basin-wide development planning is considered a viable solution to conflict resolution and poverty reduction, such increasing water scarcity is likely to generate more regional conflicts. In addition, the need to shift away from reliance on emergency food aid to long-term environmentally and socially sustainable development – including irrigation and watershed management – is imperative. The study provides alternative models of multilateral water development policy within the Nile’s riparian states. The paper concludes with an outline for policy
reforms at national and regional level that enhance effective cooperation and coordination among the Nile riparian countries. Cooperation among these countries
is badly needed if the Nile Basin’s environment is to be conserved and food security and sustainable development are to be ensured.”