ABSTRACT
In 2009, 700 million people in 43 countries were estimated to live below the water-stress threshold of 1,700 cubic metres per person. By 2025 that number is estimated to reach 3 billion (UNDP 2006). Global water diversions for agriculture represent approximately 70 per cent of total water consumption and are expected to grow by up to 17 per cent by 2025 (de Fraiture et al. 2001). Climate change and rapidly expanding populations in the developing world threaten to exacerbate water-related poverty and undermine alleviating efforts. There is an enduring consensus that the extent of West Africa’s poverty remains both acute and chronic, and efforts to address water-related poverty and agricultural water use are identified as key elements in poverty reduction.
