Water is essential for life, yet millions across Africa struggle daily to access this basic necessity. The scale of the water crisis in Africa is staggering: 411 million Africans lack access to safe drinking water, and 56% of households experience water shortages, with rural communities facing even greater challenges. Additionally, sanitation systems are absent in 69% of communities, leaving millions exposed to waterborne diseases and other health risks. These statistics, shared by Afrobarometer.org, highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to water scarcity in Africa.
At Bread and Water for Africa® we are actively addressing these challenges through sustainable initiatives that focus on improving water access and quality. Our WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program plays a vital role in combating water scarcity by building and repairing wells, implementing spring water protection projects, and promoting hygiene education in communities across Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Cameroon and Malawi. By prioritizing practical, community-focused solutions to water scarcity in Africa, Bread and Water for Africa® is helping to transform lives and build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Why Does Africa Have No Water?
The question of why Africa does not have water is complex, involving both physical and economic factors that contribute to the causes of water scarcity in Africa. While the continent is home to some of the world’s largest freshwater reserves, a combination of climate change, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges prevents millions from accessing clean water. Understanding these causes is essential to developing effective solutions to water scarcity in Africa.
Physical Scarcity
Physical water scarcity occurs when natural water resources are insufficient to meet demand. In Africa, this is often driven by droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures caused by climate change. Prolonged droughts severely reduce river flows and groundwater levels, making it increasingly difficult for communities to access safe drinking water.
One striking example is Lake Chad, which has shrunk by 90% over the past 60 years due to a combination of climate change and overexploitation for irrigation and urban use. Inefficient irrigation practices further exacerbate water scarcity by wasting large amounts of water in agricultural regions. For communities that depend on these water sources for drinking, farming, and sanitation, the impact is devastating.
Additionally, deforestation and land degradation contribute to soil erosion, reducing the land’s ability to retain water and increasing the frequency of droughts. Without significant efforts to restore ecosystems and improve water management practices, physical water scarcity in Africa will continue to worsen.
Economic Scarcity
Economic water scarcity occurs when financial and institutional barriers prevent people from accessing available water resources. In many parts of Africa, poor infrastructure, limited investment, and ineffective governance mean that existing water supplies cannot be efficiently distributed. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa and arid regions like North Africa, where outdated pipes, limited treatment facilities, and a lack of funding for water projects leave millions without reliable access to clean water.
For rural communities, the lack of infrastructure often means walking several miles daily to collect water from unsafe sources, a task that disproportionately falls on women and children. Meanwhile, urban areas face challenges like aging water systems, frequent pipe bursts, and contamination due to inadequate sewage management.
Economic water scarcity also affects agricultural productivity, with smallholder farmers struggling to irrigate crops effectively. Investing in water infrastructure, improving governance, and prioritizing equitable distribution are crucial to overcoming these economic challenges and ensuring water security for all Africans.
Effects of Water Scarcity in Africa
The effects of water scarcity in Africa extend far beyond a lack of drinking water—they impact health, education, and economic stability across the continent. Water shortages and poor sanitation contribute to the spread of disease, limit educational opportunities for children, especially girls, and trap communities in cycles of poverty. Addressing these impacts is essential for building a healthier, more resilient Africa.
Health Impacts
One of the most immediate effects of water scarcity is on public health. In many parts of Africa, communities rely on contaminated water sources for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. According to the World Health Organization, unsafe water and inadequate sanitation are responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually on the continent, with children under five being particularly vulnerable.
Limited access to clean water also hinders efforts to maintain hygiene, making it challenging to prevent the spread of diseases, especially in densely populated areas and refugee camps. Women and girls, who often bear the responsibility for collecting water, are at increased risk of infections due to poor menstrual hygiene management when clean water is unavailable.
Investments in clean water infrastructure and hygiene education are critical to reducing these health risks and improving the quality of life for millions of Africans.
Education Setbacks
Water scarcity significantly impacts education, particularly for girls. In many rural communities, young girls are responsible for fetching water, a task that can take several hours each day. As a result, girls are often forced to miss school or drop out entirely to help their families meet basic water needs. According to UNICEF, girls in sub-Saharan Africa spend a collective 200 million hours each day fetching water, time that could otherwise be spent in school.
In schools that lack proper water and sanitation facilities, absenteeism is common, particularly for adolescent girls who face additional challenges in managing menstruation without adequate hygiene resources. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities at schools is essential for keeping girls in education and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of water scarcity in Africa is profound, particularly in agricultural sectors that depend heavily on reliable water supplies. Agriculture employs more than 60% of Africa’s workforce, yet limited access to water significantly reduces crop yields and livestock productivity. Farmers struggle to irrigate fields, leading to food shortages and increased prices, which further strain low-income households.
Water scarcity also perpetuates poverty cycles by limiting opportunities for small businesses that require water for production and services. For instance, a lack of clean water increases healthcare costs for communities dealing with waterborne diseases, diverting funds that could be invested in education or small enterprises. According to the World Bank, improved access to water and sanitation could boost GDP in many African countries by up to 2-3% annually.
Investing in water infrastructure, such as wells, boreholes, and irrigation systems, is crucial for improving agricultural productivity, reducing poverty, and ensuring sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Solutions to Water Scarcity in Africa
Community-Centered Approaches
Focusing on community-driven solutions ensures that water projects are sustainable and tailored to local needs. In 2025 alone, BWA completed 84 clean water projects that benefited over 70,342 individuals across Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Kenya, and Malawi. By involving local communities in the planning, construction, and maintenance of water infrastructure, these projects create a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability.
Building Wells and Boreholes
Wells and boreholes provide reliable sources of clean water, especially in remote and arid regions where natural water sources are scarce. In 2025, our Water Program completed 84 projects that included the construction and rehabilitation of wells and boreholes, benefiting communities across Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Cameroon, and Malawi. These projects not only improve access to safe drinking water but also reduce the distance women and children must travel to collect water, freeing up time for education and economic activities.
For example, in Uganda, a borehole project provided water for a community of over 5,000 people, significantly reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. In Malawi, a well project near a local school ensured that students have access to clean water throughout the day, boosting attendance and overall health.
Protecting Springs
Spring protection projects help safeguard natural water sources from contamination by constructing protective barriers and drainage systems. In 2025, Bread and Water for Africa® completed 15 spring protection projects in Uganda, providing safe water to thousands of residents. Protecting these springs ensures that communities have a reliable source of clean water year-round, even during dry seasons. By preventing contamination, these projects also reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, improving public health outcomes significantly.
Technological Innovations
Harnessing technological solutions can help overcome the limitations of traditional water sources and ensure more efficient water management. Innovations like rainwater harvesting systems and improved irrigation methods play a crucial role in addressing the lack of water in Africa.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use, providing a vital supplementary water source for rural communities that face seasonal shortages. Systems such as rooftop catchment and storage tanks help communities manage their water needs more effectively, ensuring a reliable supply for drinking, hygiene, and irrigation.
In regions like Ethiopia and Uganda, rainwater harvesting has enabled farmers to irrigate crops during dry spells, improving food security and livelihoods. By reducing reliance on rivers and groundwater, these systems help conserve natural resources and build resilience against climate change.
Improved Irrigation Methods
Traditional irrigation methods often lead to significant water waste due to evaporation and inefficient application. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices like drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors can reduce water use by up to 60% while increasing crop yields. In Zambia, farmers supported by have adopted efficient irrigation techniques, resulting in higher productivity and reduced water consumption. Improving irrigation efficiency not only helps conserve water but also boosts food security and economic stability for smallholder farmers.
Education and Awareness
Education is a powerful tool for ensuring the success of water projects. By educating communities about clean water practices, proper sanitation, and sustainable resource management, we empower locals to take charge of their water security.
Hygiene Training
Our WASH education programs teach communities about the importance of using clean water, proper waste disposal, and handwashing to prevent disease. In Malawi, hygiene training programs in schools have helped reduce illness among students and improve attendance. These programs also focus on menstrual hygiene management, ensuring that girls do not miss school due to a lack of resources. Educating communities on clean water practices significantly reduces the spread of diseases like cholera and dysentery.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is essential for the long-term success of water projects. BWA works closely with local leaders and schoolchildren to spread awareness about water conservation and hygiene practices. In Malawi, school projects that involve students in maintaining wells and latrines have not only improved sanitation but also fostered a sense of responsibility among young people. Engaging communities ensures that water and sanitation projects are maintained long after external support has ended.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Partnerships with local organizations and community leaders amplify the impact of water projects by leveraging local knowledge and resources. By collaborating with grassroots groups, we ensure that projects are culturally appropriate and effectively address the specific needs of each community.
Partnering with Grassroots Organizations
Working with local organizations such as Technologies Appropriées pour le Congo, Association Sans but Lucrative (TAC Asbl) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Bega kwa Bega in Uganda has enabled us to expand our reach and improve water access in some of the most remote and underserved regions. These partnerships facilitate the construction of wells, latrines, and spring protection systems while providing hygiene education to local communities. By pooling resources and expertise, these collaborations maximize the efficiency and sustainability of water projects.
Local Community Involvement
Involving local community members in the construction and maintenance of water infrastructure ensures that projects are sustainable and well-maintained. In Malawi and the DRC, local volunteers are trained to repair and manage wells, reducing dependency on external assistance. This approach not only builds local capacity but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for water resources.
By investing in local leadership and skills development, Bread and Water for Africa® ensures that water projects remain functional and effective for years to come.
Bread and Water for Africa®’s Impact
At Bread and Water for Africa® we have transformed lives across Africa by providing clean water through sustainable projects. From spring protection to school sanitation, their initiatives focus on long-term, community-driven solutions to water scarcity in Africa.
Spring Protection Projects in Uganda
In Uganda, we have completed several spring protection projects that now supply safe water to communities. One story is that of Travis, a young boy who no longer suffers from waterborne diseases thanks to a protected spring near his home. These projects have significantly reduced disease outbreaks and improved daily life for hundreds of families.
Lake Tumba Wells in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Lake Tumba wells in the DRC, led by Lucien Beele, Executive Director of TAC, now provide clean water to over 11,000 people. Before the wells, families relied on unsafe sources, leading to frequent illness. With reliable water access, communities have seen improved health and reduced time spent collecting water.
Malawi School Sanitation Success
At Konzere Primary School in Malawi, new latrines and handwashing stations have cut absenteeism among 800 girls significantly. Clean sanitation facilities mean fewer missed school days due to illness, menstruation, and better hygiene practices – empowering young girls to focus on their education.
How You Can Help
Addressing water scarcity in Africa requires a collective effort, from local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to international supporters. The impact of Bread and Water for Africa®’s projects demonstrates that sustainable water solutions are not only possible but also transformative.
Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands who still lack access to critical resources. Donations help fund projects such as building wells, protecting natural springs, and expanding hygiene education programs. Even a small contribution can provide clean water to a family, protect a spring from contamination, or install a handwashing station at a school.
To help bring clean water to more communities, consider donating to the water program. Your support will directly fund projects that provide reliable access to clean water, improve sanitation, and save lives.
Join us in the collective mission to end water scarcity in Africa. Together, we can build a future where every person has access to clean and safe water.
