With 93 percent of Africa’s water in transboundary basins, most parties are coming to appreciate how benefit sharing provides opportunities to for optimal water management, says David Phillips.

‘An average of between 45 and 70 percent of water is unaccounted for in many countries in the region,” says Dr Bhekithemba Gumbo. “The financial loss is horrendous. We could adapt to the stress on water being exerted by climate change if we [could] become more efficient in using the water that is available.’

 

 Themba Gumbo talks water demand management with Zeenat Abdool: Play Now | Download (87)

Why is Africa lagging behind Asia and Latin America on water security – despite commitments and declarations by political leaders?

 

 The Trans-Caledon Authority's Richard Heldon muses on financing water infrastructure. [2:26m]: Play Now | Download (42)

The issue of funding has also been a thorny one. National governments consider feasibility studies expensive and not a priority and that has in the end cost the region.

Enough pledges, civil society says, what is needed now is effective action on water and sanitation.

 

 Civil society calls time on talking, demands action [4:23m]: Play Now | Download (73)

Greater efficiency and appropriate pricing are among the keys to managing water scarcity, according to analyst Matsepo Makhubela.

 

 Water is both a social and an economic commodity [1:54m]: Play Now | Download (56)

Davison Makanga inspects the ways sound management of shared water resources can strengthen development.

 

 Share water resources to catalyse development [4:43m]: Play Now | Download (50)

The model of agriculture applied by the People’s Republic of China during the last 30 years is an example that the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa should follow .

To sustain increased levels of agricultural productivity, Malawi is aligning its policy with an Africa-wide programme for agriculture.

Four COMESA member states are racing against time to meet an October 1 deadline to submit their investment proposals to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP).