Chapter 1
Introduction
Water Resource Management Within the Climate
Change Context in Africa: Synthesis, Key Findings
and Future Challenges
Salif Diop, Peter Scheren, and Awa Niang
Abstract This introductory chapter is an attempt to synthetize the rich and varied
findings, insights and perspectives presented in the 20 peer-reviewed chapters of
this book. The book as a whole provides a rich compilation of observations, views,
case studies and recommendations from scientists across the African continent and
beyond. It presents a representative overview of the current knowledge of climate
change/water resource interactions in Africa, illustrated by a variety of regional,
national and local level case studies, discussions of tools and methodologies, as
well as considerations for governance and institutional settings and specific management approaches. Based on the varied analyses and findings presented in this book,
this introductory chapter also presents a number of options and recommended
actions for improved management of water resources within the context of climate
change in Africa. Of particular importance, in this regard, is the emerging need to
address the economic and financial aspects of climate change adaptation, recognizing
that adaptation is a development challenge that is adding to the existing poverty
and development-related challenges on the continent. Additional and substantial
increases in financing are therefore required in order to improve the adaptive capacity
and resilience of rural households as well as land and water management systems.
Keywords Climate change · Freshwater resources management · Impacts of
extreme events · Disasters and risks · Vulnerability · Adaptation · Resilience ·
Tools and methodologies · Response strategies · Transboundary · Regional
integration
S. Diop (B)
Cheikh Anta Diop University, National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal, Dakar,
Senegal
e-mail: salif.diop@ansts.sn
P. Scheren
Lavardens, France
A. Niang
Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
S. Diop et al. (eds.), Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61225-2_1
1
Introduction
Water Resource Management Within the Climate
Change Context in Africa: Synthesis, Key Findings
and Future Challenges
Salif Diop, Peter Scheren, and Awa Niang
Abstract This introductory chapter is an attempt to synthetize the rich and varied
findings, insights and perspectives presented in the 20 peer-reviewed chapters of
this book. The book as a whole provides a rich compilation of observations, views,
case studies and recommendations from scientists across the African continent and
beyond. It presents a representative overview of the current knowledge of climate
change/water resource interactions in Africa, illustrated by a variety of regional,
national and local level case studies, discussions of tools and methodologies, as
well as considerations for governance and institutional settings and specific management approaches. Based on the varied analyses and findings presented in this book,
this introductory chapter also presents a number of options and recommended
actions for improved management of water resources within the context of climate
change in Africa. Of particular importance, in this regard, is the emerging need to
address the economic and financial aspects of climate change adaptation, recognizing
that adaptation is a development challenge that is adding to the existing poverty
and development-related challenges on the continent. Additional and substantial
increases in financing are therefore required in order to improve the adaptive capacity
and resilience of rural households as well as land and water management systems.
Keywords Climate change · Freshwater resources management · Impacts of
extreme events · Disasters and risks · Vulnerability · Adaptation · Resilience ·
Tools and methodologies · Response strategies · Transboundary · Regional
integration
S. Diop (B)
Cheikh Anta Diop University, National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal, Dakar,
Senegal
e-mail: salif.diop@ansts.sn
P. Scheren
Lavardens, France
A. Niang
Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
S. Diop et al. (eds.), Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61225-2_1
1