Publications
Drought and Sub-Saharan African Economies
Droughts are frequent and severe in many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa ( SSA ) and have a devastating impact on their peoples and economies . The extreme vulnerability to rainfall in the arid and semiarid areas of the continent and the poor capacity of most African soils to retain moisture result in almost 60 percent of SSA being vulnerable to drought and 30 percent being extremely vulnerable . Since the 1960s , rainfall in parts of the Sahel and Southern Africa has also been significantly below the norms of the previous 30 years . Moreover , the prospects of an El Nino effect has led to more focus on the impact of drought in SSA . Against the background of a dearth of investigative studies on drought ’ s economic impact , a recent report , the impact of drought on Sub- Saharan African economies : a preliminary examination examines this phenomenon more closely . Drought has typically been perceived as a problem principally of agriculture and , in particular , food supply . As such , it is seen as posing problems for effective relief but there is less evidence on whether or not it justifies economic responses or modifications in policy . This report presents the findings of an exploratory study which was intended as a contribution to filling that gap . Analysis of a number of issues pulls together lessons learned from six country cases ( Burkina Faso , Ethiopia , Kenya , Senegal , Zambia , and Zimbabwe ) to develop strategies to reduce the economywide impacts of drought .
Citation
“ Benson , Charlotte ; Clay , Edward . 1998 . Drought and Sub- Saharan African Economies . Africa Region Findings & Good Practice Infobriefs ; No . 118 . World Bank , Washington , DC . © World Bank . https :// openknowledge . worldbank . org / handle / 10986 / 9884 License : CC BY 3.0 Unported .”
URI http :// hdl . handle . net / 10986 / 9884
Economic valuation of wastewater the cost of action and the cost of no action
Foreword
Over the years , wastewater has been a source of pollution due to urbanization , growing cities , industrialization and improved material consumption , among other factors . Today , an estimated 80 per cent of global wastewater is being discharged untreated into the world ’ s waterways . This affects the biological diversity of aquatic ecosystems and disrupts the fundamental web of our life support systems , on which a wide range of sectors from urban development to food production and industry depend . With only 8 per cent of the required capacity to treat wastewater effectively , low-income countries are the hardest hit by contaminated water supplies and resulting impacts : loss of ecosystem services and economic opportunities ; climate change aggravation through wastewater-related emissions of methane ( CH4 ) and nitrous oxide ( NO2 ); spreading of “ Dead Zones ” impacting fisheries , livelihoods and the food chain ; and health impacts due to waterborne diseases . Yet , if properly managed , wastewater could be a source of water , energy , fertilizer and other valuable materials and services . Each year , for instance , approximately 330 km3 of municipal wastewater are generated globally . A recent study showed that resources embedded in this wastewater would be enough to irrigate and fertilize millions of hectares of crops and produce biogas that could supply energy for millions of households . Adequate wastewater collection , treatment , and safe use or disposal can lead to significant environmental and health benefits . From a business perspective , valuation of the costs of no action in wastewater management is necessary to justify suitable investment in this domain . Economic analysis provides the information needed for public policy decisions that support improvements in wastewater management . Countries have finalized the next development agenda and endorsed a new set of Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ), which include a goal to ensure sustainable water and sanitation for all . With this in mind , Economic Valuation of Wastewater therefore identifies economic benefits for municipalities associated with wastewater treatment . This book further highlights that including external benefits ( environmental and health ) in economic feasibility analysis generates positive results for all the evaluated water reuse projects . As illustrated by the successful stories from around the world in this report , investing in wastewater management is economically feasible , and produces benefits of higher value than non-action . Through the Global Wastewater Initiative and other relevant activities , UNEP is committed to working with all stakeholders to reduce the impacts of untreated wastewater on the environment and to promote it as a valuable resource worthy of investment . This will require cross-sector global collaboration with governments and other agencies to develop effective legislation , innovative financial mechanisms and waste management infrastructure , especially in developing countries . All involved parties may need to digest the findings of this book and consider the benefits of investing in wastewater management from an economic , environmental and social point of view .
36 Africa Water , Sanitation & Hygiene • November - December 2017