Sahara and sub-Sahara countries face water shortage

Water resources in the African Saharas and sub-saharan countries have considerably decreased since 1980, says a recent study of the observatory of the Sahara and the Sahel.

The lowest resources of renewable natural water are found in the region that represents 11% of the world surface and 5.3% of the population. The region has only 1% of renewed natural water available worldwide.

The water deficiency is worsened by irregular rain falls and strong evaporation in addition to factors of strong demographic growth.

The observatory notes that the region is trying to make up for the water deficit by exploiting non-renewable sources, the re-use of waste water and the desalination of sea water.