Africa

In Africa the quest for water security has always been linked to the quest for energy security (African Water Vision 2025; UNECA, 2000). Energy security will be achieved only when society obtains access to dependable, modern energy services. Because most of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is predominantly rural (70%) (World Bank, n.d.a), achieving rural energy security is a prerequisite for equitable and sustainable development. Sub-Saharan Africa is characterized by low consumption of commercial energy and high dependence on traditional fuels. The majority of the rural population relies on traditional energy supplies, mainly unprocessed biomass, the burning of which causes significant pollution and health concerns (Section 3.1).

Sustainable Development Goals:

Clean Water and Sanitation