Environmental stress and conflicts in Africa: a case study of African international drainage basins

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Book chapter

Title:	Environmental stress and conflicts in Africa: a case study of African international drainage basins
Author:	Okidi, C.O.
Book title:	Issues in resource management and development in Kenya: essays in memory of prof. Simeon H. Ominde
Year:	2000
Pages:	39-61
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	water management rivers dams irrigation
Abstract:	Africa has a reticulation of some 54 drainage basins, including rivers, which either traverse territorial boundaries or form part of such boundaries, but which alone cover approximately half of the total area of Africa. Unfortunately, only c. two percent of the total African waters are utilized, a colossal underutilization requiring redress. The rivers carry water for irrigation and they are capable of yielding hydro-electric power. However, measures of control, transfer and utilization could generate international tension and conflicts, particularly between two or more of the nine basin States - Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zaire. The only way to avoid this is by cooperation among these States in the management of such waters. In this context, this paper examines irrigation in Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Sudan, and damming for hydro-electric power and possible subsequent conflicts.