In comparison with the remainder of the world, where approximately 50% of available fresh water is shared by two or more states, an estimated 93% of the African continent’s fresh water is transboundary in nature (runs across at least one recognized national border) (UNEP, 2002).
Climate change predictions are widely known to carry significant uncertainty, and there is no way that any of the predictions can be tested in a truly robust fashion as yet. The problem is unusually severe in Africa (IPCC, 2007).
Recommended citation: Phillips, D.J.H., 2011. Africa’s water: Driver of conflict or source of cooperation? Policy Brief No. 3, Regional Climate Change Programme for Southern Africa (RCCP), UK Department for International Development. OneWorld Sustainable Investments, Cape Town.
