Water, Food and Development in Africa : a conclusion

Although I have been aware of this, the last few months working on this blogpost have taught me just how heterogeneous the African continent and its issues surrounding water are. 

In my first blogpost I wrote about my intentions in how I plan to write about Africa. African stereotypes that completely disregard the complexities of the continent have always been a source of frustration, yet I must also note the challenge that comes with purposefully trying to disrupt the usual ways of representation.

Throughout this blog I have covered different topics: my intention in writing about Africa, the potential of indigenous technical knowledge especially in regards to crop specialisation, COVID-19 and its threat on food security, the potential and threats to floodplains (or the 'heart of sahelian life systems'), land degradation, and the past causes of the hunger crisis.

Through the array of different topics I have covered over the last few months, it has become apparent to me that there is no consistent or unique solution that could work to fix issues that are deep rooted in natural geography, hydrology or even politics. Each issue requires a tailored solution that takes into account the local population.

However I would like to think that I have made one thing clear in my view of water and development in Africa, it cannot be done without the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and participation, and it should aim to be sustainable. Perhaps, it is because of my personal perspective, but it seems that African problems should require African solutions.

This is not to say that indigenous knowledge is flawless or that any development initiative from the West is unhelpful; that would be untrue. It is to say that development initiatives should constantly consider the voices and practices of Africans that could be helpful in finding solutions fit for the African continent.