Environmental Issues in Africa Water: Pollution & Unequal Distribution Water: A Global Crisis

Environment – Economics Connection The condition of the environment is directly related to the economic success of a country. Water affects all aspects of a country’s economy. It is needed for agriculture (Crops), trade success (Coastline), industry (Operate Machinery and create products), and the workforce (Clean drinking water).

Water Issues Pollution- due to pesticides, fertilizers, human waste, mining, and manufacturing. ½ of the hospital patients in Africa are b/c of unclean drinking water. This impacts the economy by reducing the workforce. Urban areas are growing rapidly and clean drinking water decreases.

Only 47% of people in sub-Saharan Africa have access to safe drinking water. Industry is not the primary cause of water pollution in Africa. -Natural problems- snails, worms, insect larvae, & other parasites. -These organisms cause waterborne diseases which reduce life-expectancy, lessen the quality of life, and decrease economic growth.

What Does Polluted Water Do? Harms the fishing industry Ruins the land- There is an average of two oil spills a day in Nigeria. While a country benefits from income generated by industry, it suffers due to pollution created by the industry.

Water- A Shrinking Supply Few places in rural Africa have plumbing or water purification. Women and children walk daily to the nearest stream to collect water. These water cans weigh about 40 pounds each. Water may not be suitable for humans to drink.

Facts Climate change, deforestation, and population growth have contributed to a water imbalance. Agriculture used to get 88% of the water supply. Since many are moving to the cities, water is being diverted there. Irrigation systems are in need of repair Lake Chad has shrunk 95% in the last 40 years.

Facts There is a tug of war between urban populations and farmers. Since the bulk of trade in Africa is with countries outside of the continent, landlocked countries are the poorest.

Cause and Effect of Unequal Water Distribution IssueCauseEffect Not enough water for irrigation Problems with trade Problems with Industry Not enough clean drinking water

Cause and Effect of Unequal Water Distribution IssueCauseEffect Not enough water for irrigation Cities consume it; Urban development Farming suffers; less food to trade or eat Problems with trade Countries with no coastline trade less b/c it’s more difficult to transport goods Economy suffers; less money for economic growth & improvements to infrastructure Problems with Industry Industries need water to operate Countries need industry to grow economies Not enough clean drinking water Sick or unhealthy workers; animals get sick Hurts economy; sick people aren’t as productive