72 / 148
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Table 2.2. Freshwater resources in the Zambezi River Basin countries
Country
Angola
Botswana
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
Tanzania
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Total annual
renewable
freshwater
available (km
3
/yr)
184
14.7
18.7
216
45.5
89
116
20
1995
population
(000)
11 558
1 459
9 374
15 400
1 590
28 400
9 100
11 526
2025 population
(000) UNmedium
projection
25 940
2 270
18 695
26 730
2 460
56 090
18 285
17 395
1995
availability
per capita (m
3
)
15 920
10 075
1 995
14 026
28 616
3 134
12 747
1 735
2025 water
availability per
capita (m
3
)
7 093
6 476
1 000
8 080
18 496
1 587
6 345
1 580
2000
population
(000)
a
13 399
1 651
10 475
17 240
1 900
31 900
9 886
11 696
2000 water
availability per
capita (m
3
)~
13 732
8 904
1 785
12 529
28 947
2 790
11 733
1 710
Reduction in Lake Levels
The IPCC (2009) records point to increasing
temperature in southern Africa, and predict
small changes in temperature and water
balance that could alter water levels, as well
as mixing regimes and productivity. Higher
temperatures would increase evaporative
losses, especially if rainfall also declined.
Declines in mean annual rainfall of 10-20
per cent for extended periods would have
a significant impact on lake levels even if
temperatures were unchanged.
There are seasonal fluctuations in the levels of water in
lakes, leaving an indelible mark on rocky shorelines.
Improved access to safe drinking water is one of the Millennium Development Goals.
Source: SADC and SARDC 2008.
© Majority World
© P. Johnson, SARDC