A number of socio-economic and environmental factors have created conditions which bring a high level of vulnerability to Africa. The climate and hydrology are problematic as extremes abound, often coexisting in the same areas (Oyebande et al., 2002). In Africa, the accumulation of water and ecological deficits over nearly four decades of droughts has predisposed the environment to a high level of desiccation and vulnerability (Falkenmark, 1989). Widespread poverty is another basic factor in Africa's water problems. Poverty is debilitating and represents lack of access not only to financial and other material resources, but also to knowledge, information and technical know-how, such as in tackling water problems.
A number of socio-economic and environmental factors have created conditions which bring a high level of vulnerability to Africa. The climate and hydrology are problematic as extremes abound, often coexisting in the same areas (Oyebande et al., 2002). In Africa, the accumulation of water and ecological deficits over nearly four decades of droughts has predisposed the environment to a high level of desiccation and vulnerability (Falkenmark, 1989). Widespread poverty is another basic factor in Africa's water problems. Poverty is debilitating and represents lack of access not only to financial and other material resources, but also to knowledge, information and technical know-how, such as in tackling water problems. 