Soil Degradation and Water Pollution in Africa

In order to begin this investigation, it is first helpful to consider the overall scope and magnitude of the environmental issues identified. As such, a precursory overview of what has been written about soil degradation and water pollution in Africa is first warranted. Only by examining the scope of the environmental issues will it be possible to identify relevant solutions to the problem.

Solid Degradation

Considering first the issue of soil degradation in Africa, Koning, Heerink and Kauffman (2001) note that the problem of soil degradation in West Africa is s significant problem. While the authors contend that all regions of Africa face some threat of soil degradation, the conditions that exist in the west are quite serious when compared with other regions. Specifically, these authors note that: "Human induced land degradation is a serious threat to land productivity. Available data indicate that 62 million hectares are affected by wind erosion, 39 million by water erosion, 12 million by chemical deterioration and 2 million by physical deterioration. Techniques for overcoming soil degradation do exist but have not been widely adopted" (p. 191). Niemeijer and Mazzucato (2002) go on to note that a recent report released jointly by the and the World Resources Institute found that "An estimated 500 million hectares of land in Africa have been affected by soildegradation since about 1950, including as much as 65 per cent of agricultural land" (p. 20).

What the data clearly indicates is that the issue of soil degradation is one of significant important for Africa. As the process of soil degradation continues, citizens will find it more difficult to sustain their agriculturally based economy. As the process of soil degradation continues over time, it will significantly impede the sustainable development of the region. Without the proper soil resources, Africa will be unable to support its economy and provide food for its citizens. In the end, the ability of the country to sustain itself is substantially linked to the quality of the soil and the availability of soil for producing crops.

Given the importance of soil degradation to the economy and well being of the African nation, the question that arises in this context is: What is causing the current soil degradation that is occurring across the region. Niemeijer and Mazzucato in their investigation of the situation note that scientists have identified a host of contributors that exacerbate soil degradation. According to these authors, "Growing population, widespread poverty, and lack of agricultural modernization are generally considered the most crucial factors in causing soildegradation" (p. 20). While these conditions are quite prevalent all across Africa, these authors do note that in recent years, scientists have noted that soil degradation has occurred outside of these specific conditions: there is insufficient evidence of widespread degradation, despite the occurrence of trends usually associated with it" (p. 20). For this reason, these authors contend that addressing the issue of soil degradation is much more difficult than most modern scientists realize.

Water Pollution

With the basic problem of soil degradation in Africa outlined, it is now possible to consider the issue of water pollution. Morris (2002) in her review of water pollution in Africa notes that the situation has become so problematic that one child dies every 15 seconds as a result of an illness caused by contaminated water. Morris reports that this death toll is equivalent to crashing 20 jumbo jets every day. Unfortunately, the inability of the government to address this issue only continues to exacerbate the situation. Water pollution and contamination remains a pervasive problem for the citizens of Africa.

Rose (2002) in his examination of the root causes of water pollution in Africa argues that there are two substantial issues that need to be addressed. First, Rose contends that water conservation efforts of fresh water have not been widely implemented in Africa. While 70 percent of fresh water resources have been tapped for agricultural development, only about 30 percent of these resources are used to irrigate crops; the other 40 percent is wasted. Second, Rose asserts that a lack of basic sanitation infrastructure in the region continues to promulgate water problems for citizens. In particular, Rose notes a recent cholera epidemic that continues to pervade the country. The cause of the cholera epidemic stems from polluted water resources; many individuals use Africa's rivers for both their water supply and sanitation needs. Ogungbemi (2000) further explicates how water pollution occurs noting: "Clean water supplies are often unavailable and feces disposal is a problem. Many people do not have pit latrines and help themselves in the bush. Such waste is often collected by rain water and taken to rivers where people take their livestock to water and also fetch water for domestic use" (p. 151).

Managing Environmental Problems

With the size and scope of the current environmental problems in Africa elucidated, it is now possible to consider what specific steps have been taken by other developing nations to address these issues. By assessing the methods used by other countries to combat both soil degradation and water pollution, a more integral understanding of what works will be elucidated. With this information, it will then be possible to formulate a strategy for improving these environmental conditions in Africa.

Soil Degradation

Considering the issue of soil degradation as it relates to other nations, it becomes evident that any country that engages in agricultural activities must address this critical issue. A precursory overview of this environmental issue also reveals that most developed nations have put in force plans that prevent soil degradation from occurring. Plans have been put in place in regions and countries such as the Untied States, Canada, Europe and Asia. These plans have been developed based on the specific needs of the individual region or country. However, as noted by Boer and Hannam (2003) there are certain features of these plans that are common.

In an effort to examine how other nations have dealt with the issue of soil degradation, a review of the plans developed by various countries and regions must now be considered. Boer and Hannam in their investigation of plans that have been developed for preventing soil degradation report the following as critical to the development of a successful prevention program:

- Specific regions that are experiencing soil degradation are comprehensively identified.

- The specific type of soil degradation that is occurring is identified. Soil degradation can be caused by a host of variables. Only by understanding the specific type of soil degradation that is occurring is it possible to identify potential solutions to the problem.

- Once the cause of soil degradation has been identified, the government must create an action plan with clearly defined goals. Reduction in soil degradation can only occur if goals are identified and used as a benchmark for assessing progress.

- Plan development must be accompanied by identification of potential resources that can be utilized to carry out sustainable development change. Government agencies may need to be created and funding must be secured.

The central focus of this type of plan, according to Boer and Hannam, is that the individual country is given the opportunity to address the problem of soil degradation on an individual basis. Depending on the environmental conditions that exist in a given region, the methods used to resolve soil degradation problems will vary.

Although the development of a plan to reduce soil degradation in Africa appears to be quite straightforward, the implementation of such a plan is what promulgates conflict for this region. At the present time, Africa does not have the economic resources to effectively develop the infrastructure that it will need to prevent soil degradation. Thus, while it may be possible for the government to identify the specific root causes of soil degradation, the region will not have the financial resources to implement programs for fostering change. This is a critical problem that continues to impede the ability of Africa to overcome many of its existing social and environmental problems. Boer and Hannam assert that because the issue is one that has an impact on the entire globe-as demand for food production increases each year-international agencies such as the World Bank and United Nations should provide the support and assistance to help African nations build solid infrastructure that will help prevent soil degradation.

Water Pollution

Much like the issue of soil degradation, the problem of water pollution also impacts most developed and developing nations. Here again, it is also obvious that plan development and implementation are critical for improving water quality. To illustrate this point, Emanoil (2000) notes that even though the United States currently has one of the safest drinking water supplies, the ability of the government to protect this resource is due to the fact that strict polices have been put in place to build water and sanitation infrastructure. Emanoil argues that in order to provide safe drinking water, the root causes of pollution need to be identified and addressed. Once this process has occurred, regulatory agencies need to be put in place to maintain the quality of the water over time.

Clearly, developing a plan for improving water quality does not represent a notable challenge for Africa. At the present time, researchers have identified many of the root causes of water pollution. In particular, water pollution in Africa has been identified as directly linked to poor sanitation. What this effectively suggests is that the government needs to focus on the development of sanitation infrastructure as a means to improve the quality of the drinking water. In addition, the government will have to develop a public water system that enables citizens to access clean drinking water that is not contaminated with human waste. Thus, it becomes evident that outside support will be needed to provide the financial support needed for creating a public water system.

Reviewing what has been written about the development of public water systems in other countries, it is evident that the World Bank has played a key role in this process. The United Nations (1996) reports that support and funding from the World Bank has been instrumental in helping citizens of the West Bank develop a public water system. The report from the UN shows that the World Bank worked with local governments in the region to create a plan for sustainable development. Included in this plan was financing for public water systems. The goals of the plan were outlined along with timetables for implementation and funding. This plan has enabled the West Bank to develop despite ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine.

Conclusion

When the issues of soil degradation and water pollution in Africa are examined overall, it becomes evident that while much has been written about these problems, few concrete steps have been taken to improve the situation. The poverty and economic despair that continues to embrace the country prevents local and state governments from developing the infrastructure needed to ensure the sustainable development of the region. As a direct result, environmental problems have become exacerbated and solutions to fix these problems are not developed or implemented. Currently, Africa appears to have no salient plans in place to improve the environment. Day-today survival has become such a pervasive issue that long-term development in the region has been effectively pushed aside.

In the end, it seems reasonable to contend that if African nations are to meet their immediate and long-term needs, social infrastructure in the country must be developed. However, this task is not an easy one. Even though the root causes of soil degradation and water pollution in Africa can be identified, the region must garner the financial support and technological expertise to resolve the problems. Without this support from the international community, citizens will continue to face significant challenges when it comes to meeting their basic needs for survival.

References

Boer, B., & Hannam, I. (2003). Legal aspects of sustainable soils: International and national. Review of European Community & International Environmental Law, 12(2), 149-163.

Emanoil, P. (2000). Risk reduction strategies. Human Ecology, 28(1), 17-20.

Koning, N., Heerink, N., & Kaufmann, S. (2001). Food insecurity, soil degradation and agricultural markets in West Africa: Why current policy approaches fail. Oxford Development Studies, 29(2), 189-207.

Morris, K. (2004). Silent emergency of poor water and sanitation. Lancet, 20(363), 954.

Niemeijer, D., & Mazzucato, V. (2002). Soil degradation in the West African Sahel, how serious is it? Environment, 44(2), 20-12.

Ogungbemi, S. (2000). The global nature of the environmental crisis and its interrelationship with development. Dialogue & Universalism, 10(7/8), 151-159.

Rose, R. (2002). The looming water crisis. New African, 409, 46.