Extending almost 6,700 km, the Nile River is the longest river in the world. The Basin covers about three million square kilometers, and is shared by 10 countries: Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia. Large parts of the river basin are arid or semi-arid, and experience frequent flooding and drought.
The population, estimated at over 250 million, is increasing at an annual rate of about 3 %. Most Basin countries rely on water from the Nile for their socio-economic activities. The continuous increase in water demand, as well as the river’s limited resources – which are highly variable in time and space – present major developmental challenges. Cooperation among political leaders of the Basin countries, water-sector professionals, decision-makers, external assistance agencies and local populations, is essential to ensure the sustainable and integrated management and development of Basin resources.
Objectives
Preparation of an action plan for integrated, sustainable development of the Nile River Basin, working in collaboration with representatives from the 10 riparian states. Hydrosult was contracted by TECCONILE, the Technical Cooperation for the Promotion of the Development and Environmental Protection of the Nile Basin Committee, and CIDA, the Canadian International Development Agency, to develop the plan.
Outputs
Hydrosult specialists, in consultation with TECCONILE, reviewed Basin needs and identified 22 projects and joint activities to implement within the framework of a $100 million Action Plan. Five main components were identified: i) integrated water resources planning and management; ii) capacity building; iii) training; iv) regional cooperation; and v) environmental protection and enhancement. Projects were prioritized and a process was mapped for an orderly approach towards regional cooperation.
Extending almost 6,700 km, the Nile River is the longest river in the world. The Basin covers about three million square kilometers, and is shared by 10 countries: Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia. Large parts of the river basin are arid or semi-arid, and experience frequent flooding and drought.
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