A NEW United Nations report, published on World Water Day, sheds light on the stark reality that 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, while 3.5 billion are deprived of adequate sanitation facilities. The report, titled Water for prosperity and peace, underscores the critical importance of addressing water scarcity as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development.
Li Lifeng, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Land and Water Division in Rome, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, ‘I think the situation is really challenging.’ Lifeng stressed the indispensable nature of water for sustaining life, food production, and various economic sectors.
The report underscores how tensions over water resources are exacerbating conflicts worldwide. Lifeng highlighted Zimbabwe as one of the countries severely impacted by water scarcity, noting that it has been grappling with drought conditions since last year. Concerns about crop failure loom large, with over two million people in Zimbabwe potentially facing hunger as a result.
Zimbabwe, along with several of its southern African neighbours, is confronting a devastating drought attributed to El Niño and exacerbated by climate change. The southern African country anticipates its staple maize harvest to plummet by half to 1.1 million tons in 2024 due to the adverse effects of the El Niño-induced drought.
The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address the water crisis and its far-reaching implications for food security, livelihoods, and peace-building efforts. As the world marks World Water Day, attention is drawn to the critical role of water in achieving sustainable development goals and mitigating conflicts stemming from water scarcity.