The Nile, the longest river in Africa, is in danger. For millions of people, especially those in Sudan, it is crucial.
Yet, it might disappear as a result of factors like rising sea levels that cause saltwater intrusion downstream.
Concern for its survival is also being raised by global warming and human exploitation of the water supply.
In the capital of Sudan, Ahmed Abakr has spent decades cultivating fruits, vegetables, and cereals close to the River Nile. For millions of people, the longest river on the continent is vital.
“I’ve been living by the Nile for my entire life, my occupation is farming and it’s my grandfathers occupation too, the Nile is our source of living and we don’t have anything else to do,” the 85-year-old says.
The survival of the second-longest river in the world is now in danger due to global warming and human overuse. In the last fifty years, the Nile’s flow has decreased from 3,000 cubic meters per second to 2,830. Residents in the Nile basin are affected, including Ahmed Abakr.
“Agriculture now is not like before, water levels are changing every year which impacting my crops, I take longer time and I use plumbers in order to irrigate the crops which also needs gasoline and it’s added cost to my crops.”
Water expert Ahmed Almofti predicts eve more serious problems are around the corner: “With the expected loss of water for environmental impacts, another issue is the increase of population against the current Nile quota, that means an overuse of Nile water and an increase of misusage are expected which threatens the future of this River.”
According to UN predictions, river flow in Africa might decrease by 70% by 2100 as a result of reduced rainfall and more frequent droughts.
According to predictions, each local resident’s water supply could decrease by 75%.
A Cooperation Framework Agreement was signed in 2010 by five upstream states. In order to manage and develop the water resources of the Nile Basin cooperatively, the book specifies the fundamental values, rights, and responsibilities.
Experts believe the river can only be saved if the countries it passes through commit to better joint management and sustainable development policies.
