Africa is Getting Wetter and Dryer
Africa Is Getting Wetter and Dryer
Climate change is reshaping rainfall, floods, droughts, and heatwaves across Africa.
Many African communities rely heavily on groundwater — water stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers accessed through wells and boreholes. In rural areas where clean rivers or lakes are scarce, groundwater is the main source for drinking, cooking, bathing, and farming.
Because it’s naturally filtered and less affected by seasonal change, groundwater has long been considered reliable. But climate change is stressing this resource and the entire water cycle in Africa.
Over 90% of Africa’s agriculture depends on rainfall. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable seasons threaten food security for hundreds of millions.
Southern and Eastern Africa: Rising Extremes
Southern Africa faces longer, harsher droughts and also periods of extreme rainfall that fuel flood hazards. Climate models show heavier rain in tropical regions will increase flood risk, damaging homes and crops.
Eastern Africa is projected to become wetter overall — but with deadly side effects. Flash floods will endanger lives, destroy property, and isolate rural villages. Meanwhile, unprecedented heat will alter vegetation and threaten livestock.
Groundwater Recharge Is at Risk
Climate models predict 50–70% reductions in groundwater recharge in parts of southern and western Africa, making wells less reliable. Elsewhere, such as the Horn of Africa, heavier rains could temporarily raise groundwater levels — but may also contaminate supplies.
Case Studies: Kenya, Mozambique, and Beyond
Kenya experienced deadly Tana River floods in 2006 after torrential rains and dam releases. Nearly 2 million people across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya were affected by flash floods after drought-hardened soil failed to absorb heavy rains.
In 2019, Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Beira, Mozambique lost 90% of its infrastructure; 1.7 million people were affected across southern Africa. Cholera, malaria, and other waterborne diseases surged as sanitation systems failed.
Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are the same type of storm — the name only changes with location.
Water Security Is a Health Crisis
Over 400 million Africans lack safe drinking water. When floods destroy wells or contaminate supplies, families must buy water from private tankers — often around $50 per month, a severe burden.
