While groundwater in sub-Saharan Africa is largely underused, in other parts of the world – mainly in south Asia – overuse is rife. The report cautioned that it must be regulated to avoid mismanagement and over-extraction.

“Outside sub-Saharan Africa, groundwater is over-exploited. In much of northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, groundwater extraction is usually greater than the expected annual recharge from rainfall. During periods of drought, water supplies become unsustainable and may run out at a time when people need them most,” it said.

In Pakistan, for example, 94 per cent of pumped groundwater is for irrigation. The desire to further boost agricultural productivity to provide food for Pakistan’s growing population and export, has led to the overuse and deterioration of groundwater resources, it added. Coupled with urbanisation and the impact of climate change, Pakistan is now on its way to becoming one of the most water stressed countries in the world.

The new report, Groundwater: The world’s neglected defence against climate change, comes as heads of state meet this week at the World Water Forum in Senegal, West Africa.

The researchers concluded by calling for investment, which they say will be “key to securing life-saving sustainable and safe water and sanitation for communities living on the frontline of the climate crisis”.

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