Water Shortage
Water shortage is one of the global problems that are facing countries today. It refers to the insufficient water available for use. More than one-fifth of the world’s total population experience water shortage. Ironically, 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water but not more than 1% of this resource has been made available to meet human needs (Chartres & Samyuktha, 2010). States such as California have had serious problems that are related to water shortage. Other states like the United States are not exceptional. It is reported that nearly every region in this state has experienced some form of water crisis (Chartres &Samyuktha, 2010). The situation is not different in other countries. If countries do not take the necessary precaution measures in addressing the problem, water shortage would be the next cause of the world war.
Several reasons may lead to water shortage. The world’s population has grown at a very high rate, increasing the water demand. This leads to over-harvesting of the available limited water sources. This has led to the overuse of the main water sources such as lakes, rivers, and water aquifers. The increase in population comes with the need for more land for cultivation (Crase, 2011). This majorly takes place in the countries where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. This has led to a high rate of deforestation. Forests are vital in rain formation, hence clearing them results in poor rainfall distribution, which leads to water shortage. Pollution is another reason for water shortage. Many water sources have been polluted, making them unhealthy for human consumption.
Reasons for Water Shortage in Somalia
Somalia is a country with a population of about 10 million. Somalia is one of the countries that experience severe water shortages. According to Chellaney (2013), more than 85% of the total population in Somalia is faced with water shortages. Many reasons lead to water shortage in this country. Hamilton (2007) says that the Somalia population exceeds the water available sources by far. The high population exerts a lot of pressure on the few available water sources, a factor that has led to the depletion of many water sources. According to Chellaney (2013), Somalia is an arid country that experiences prolonged droughts that are attributed to the water shortage in the country. The location of this country is also another reason for the water shortage. The country is located in an area with extreme water scarcity problems, and any available water sources are shared with its neighboring countries. Following the increase in water demand, these water sources are over-harvested leading to the shortage.
The country has experienced economic challenges for a long time, and this factor has also led to the problem of water shortage. The low economic position makes the country not purchase the needed machinery and other facilities that are needed to provide other sources of water. Frequent civil wars in this country compound the whole problem of water shortage (Fitzgerald, 2002). These civil wars lead to people destroying the facilities for water harnessing and also scare away any investors or organizations who would be interested to venture into any activities in this country and offer help in finding a solution to the problem. Climate change has adversely affected this country resulting in unpredictable weather patterns and drying of the water wells. This water shortage has greatly contributed to the high levels of poverty that are usually reported in Somalia. However, the situation is expected to improve shortly because many humanitarian organizations have joined the country in finding a lasting solution for the problem.
Solutions to Water Shortage in Somalia
Addressing the issue of the frequent wars in this country would reduce the problem of water shortage to a great extent (Miller & Spoolman, 2008). This will encourage investors, organizations, and other well-wishers to visit the country and help in providing the necessary facilities for harnessing water from other sources. As Gehrig and Rogers (2009) argue, the people of Somalia should be encouraged to avoid any form of water wastage and reduce the amount of it spent on agriculture if any, by planting plants that do not require a lot of water. The industries in this country should also use the available water effectively, and water recycling should be emphasized where possible to reduce consumption. Other available water sources from the neighboring counties can be channeled to the country through pipes to reduce the shortage. According to Calas and Martinon (2010), there is a need for the countries which share the available water sources with this country to reduce over-harvesting of water from such sources to avoid depletion. The government should also encourage the public to plant more trees. This will increase the chances of the country getting rainfall. Trees enhance rainfall formation and curb the climate change problem. Through these ways, the country of Somalia will be able to solve the problem of water shortage that has subjected it to high levels of poverty.
References
Chartres, C. &Samyuktha, V. (2010). Out of Water: From Abundance to Scarcity and How to Solve the World’s Water Problems. Upper Saddle River: John Willey.
Crase, L. (2011). Water Policy in Australia: The Impact of Change and Uncertainty. New York: Cengage.
Chellaney, B. (2013). Water, peace, and war: Confronting the global water crisis. Cape Town: McMillan.
Hamilton, J. (2007). Somalia in pictures. Minneapolis, Minn: Lerner.
Fitzgerald, N. J. (2002). Somalia: Issues, history and bibliography. New York: Nova Science Publishers.
Calas, B., & Martinon, C. A. M. (2010). Shared waters, shared opportunities: Hydropolitics in East Africa. Nairobi, Kenya: French Institute for Research in Africa.
Gehrig, J., & Rogers, M. (2009). Water and Conflict: Incorporating Peace building Into Water Development. New York: Cengage.
Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S. (2008). Environmental science: Problems, concepts, and solutions. Belmont, CA: Brooks Cole.