The Impact of Economic and Physical Water Scarcity

Today is World Water Day. Over 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to clean water.

These kids live in Tanzania and are lucky to have the rare wagon to help carry their water jugs. Most people carry a water buckets on their head while balancing another bucket with their other arm. In Africa, women and children are the major providers of water for their families. This is a daily chore that can involve walking 4-6 miles to the nearest water source.

What is the impact of economic and the actual physical scarcity of water in Africa? The lack of infrastructure and money to plan for alternate clean water access is complicated by extreme climate changes affecting bodies of water as the world gets hotter.

Africa is experiencing record severe droughts throughout the country. With lakes and rivers disappearing, accessing water will be even more challenging.