Problems and prospects for intercountry cooperation for integrated water resources development of the Nile river basin

Problems and prospects for intercountry cooperation for integrated water resources development of the Nile river basin

1994

The Nile Basin riparian countries have long sought cooperative development, beginning with a 1986 UNDP-sponsored workshop that identified the relevance of the Lower Mekong Basin experience. Subsequent initiatives, including a 1989 Fact-Finding Mission, faced opposition, particularly from Ethiopia, highlighting challenges in achieving a unified approach. The Nile, stretching 6,700 km and sourced from the Equatorial Lakes and Ethiopian highlands, remains critical for Egypt and Sudan, which rely heavily on its waters for agriculture and hydropower. While past agreements, particularly the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement, have prioritized lower riparian countries, upstream nations seek equitable access. Water scarcity, exacerbated by drought and population growth, underscores the urgency for coordinated management. Despite previous fragmented efforts, there is broad recognition of the need for a central Nile Basin organization. International support is vital for assisting riparian countries in developing national water master plans, enhancing water use efficiency, and fostering regional collaboration. Key recommendations include integrated water conservation efforts, improved irrigation efficiency, and the establishment of a Nile Development Fund to finance sustainable development.

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