Information on quantity and quality of freshwater and its availability and use is essential for sustainable economic development. Considering that a major share of the world's water resources is used for agricultural production, and water development plays a key role in increasing food production and achieving food security, information on agricultural water use has assumed greater importance. Reliable data are also required for joint management of internationally shared water resources. The "thirst" for water data is ever increasing and there is indeed considerable demand for data on rural water use from national governments and development agencies.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations initiated an activity in 1993 to meet this demand with particular focus on irrigation. This resulted in the AQUASTAT Programme, the objective of which is to generate rural water use data at country level in a systematic manner. It was decided to give priority to the countries of the African continent, in view of the urgent need to promote irrigation development for food security in most countries of the continent.
This publication presents a description of the rural water situation in 53 countries of the African continent with relevant tables and maps. It is hoped that the information provided will be of use to all interested in African water resources development and management.