Groundwater management

Sustainable management of groundwater resources is critical to ensuring the long term supply of good quality groundwater supplies.

There are many papers and reports on various aspects of groundwater management, both in Africa and more generally. Some of them are referenced below, but there are many more.

The UPGro programme is funding a number of projects combining a social and natural science approach, which aim to support sustainable use of groundwater for the benefit of the poor, particularly in Africa. Outputs from the projects can be found on the UPGro website.

Links to more information

These organisations are among those who produce information on managing water resources, including groundwater. Some examples of their reports and videos with information on groundwater management are shown below; others can be found on their website.

RWSN - the Rural Water Supply Network. Many resources to support groundwater management can be found on their website. This recent report deals with sustainable groundwater development: Furey SG and Danert K. 2014. Sustainable Groundwater Development: use, protect and enhance. RWSN Publication 2014-9, 1, Skat/SDC/UNICEF/DFID, DEW Point, RWSN, St Gallen.

WaterAid produce information on managing water resources, including groundwater. This recent video gives an example of managing groundwater resources to reduce the vulnerability of communities to water stress. Other WaterAid publications can be found on their website.

Other References

• Tuinhof A, Foster S, van Steenbergen F, Talbi A & Wishart M. 2011. Appropriate Groundwater Management Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa in face of demographic pressure and climatic variability. Strategic Overview Series, Number 5, GW-MATE/World Bank/GWP/Water Partnership Program.

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Africa Groundwater Atlas >> Additional resources >> Groundwater management