Editing Hydrogeology of Burkina Faso
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− | Burkina Faso is a landlocked, francophone Sahelian country. Gaining independence in 1960 and changing its name from the Republic of Upper Volta in 1984, the country embarked on an ambitious programme of socioeconomic improvement with an autonomist agenda. A public uprising in 2014 and military uprising in 2015 was followed by elections, a new president, the reversal of many previous Marxist policies, and the country becoming a strong ally of the USA and France in West Africa. | + | Burkina Faso is a landlocked, francophone Sahelian country with a low GDP. Gaining its independence in 1960 and changing its name from the Republic of Upper Volta in 1984, the country embarked on an ambitious programme of socioeconomic improvement with an autonomist agenda. A public uprising in 2014 and military uprising in 2015 was followed by elections, a new president, the reversal of many of the previous Marxist policies, and the country becoming a strong ally of the USA and France in West Africa. |
− | Burkina Faso has a | + | Burkina Faso has a rapid population growth of 3%. Agriculture is the main occupation of most of the population, but now represents only about one third of GDP. Livestock rearing is important across the country, with arable crops particularly in the south and southwest Mineral exports now make up the main export, replacing the previously dominant cotton, including gold, copper, iron and other metals. |
− | Rainfall is highly variable both annually and spatially. Most water needs are met by surface reservoirs, and irrigation by dams has been encouraged by government since 1973. Most of Burkina Faso is underlain by low productivity aquifers, and groundwater | + | Rainfall is highly variable across the country, both annually and spatially. Most water needs are met by surface reservoirs, and irrigation by dams has been encouraged by government since 1973. Most of Burkina Faso is underlain by low productivity aquifers, and groundwater irrigation is minimal. Although many challenges remain in water services, the state owned water utility (ONEA) has made great improvements over recent decades, with more than 75% of the rural population and more than 97% of the urban population classed as having access to safe drinking water. |
− | A food price spike in 2008 has had | + | A food price spike in 2008 has had impacts on agricultural activities, and consequently water use, over some time, causing government to reinstate fertiliser subsidies and control prices of some commodities. Another current source of pressure on water and other resources is the presence of refugees from Mali and some other regions in the north of the country. |