Less water, less food

2003-11-03 07:14

Nairobi - Food shortages in Africa are likely to get worse in the next two decades unless urgent measures are taken to preserve water resources, scientists warned on Sunday.

"Sub-Saharan Africa could face a future of increasing malnutrition and dependence on food aid unless steps are taken to address the scarcity of water in the region," Mark Rosegrant, a senior researcher at the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, told a news conference here.

Scientists gathered in the Kenyan capital Nairobi to attend a six-day conference of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) launched a new programme designed to increase food production with reduced water use.

"Researchers will help to develop national policies and institutions that provide incentives to improve water management at all levels," a CGIAR statement said.

Addressing the gathering, World Bank vice-president Ian Johnson said his institution would increase funding of agriculture and water projects in Africa.

Rosegrant said the number of people without access to clean water will increase from 100 million to 400 million by 2025.

"The number of malnourished children will also rise tremendously," he said.

- SAPA