Enhancing Water Sustainability in North Africa: Literature Review and Synthesis of Current Knowledge Gaps in Sudan

Authors

Osman M. A. Adam, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Aaron Mittelstet

Committee Members

Derek L. Heeren, Troy Gilmore

Date of this Version

12-2024

Document Type

Project

Citation

Masters project report for AGEN 897

Candidate for: Master of Science

Major: Mechanized Systems Management

Specialization: Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Advisor: Aaron Mittelstet

Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, December 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Osman M. A. Adam. Used by permission

Abstract

This study delves into the critical role of groundwater in addressing global water challenges, with a focus on the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) in north Africa. Groundwater constitutes a source of potable water, irrigation, and industrial use, especially in arid regions where surface water is limited. We analyzed the status of water quantity, withdrawals, recharge, and geological characteristics in the NSAS, specifically in Sudan, Egypt, and Libya. Though the NSAS is largely an untapped resource, water withdrawals from the NSAS in Egypt, Sudan, and Libya are projected to increase substantially from 2000 to 2100 due to population growth, with Egypt and Sudan seeing the extracts of water increases, while Libya experiencing a significant relative rise, highlighting the need for sustainable groundwater management across these countries. Depth of wells limited by costs of energy. The high costs of diesel limit the depths of wells in 40 meters to 100 meters deep, While electricity enables access to groundwater from depths of 350 to 400 m. The NSAS is located in an arid region, so local recharge does not exceed 10 mm/year. The primary source of recharge comes from the Nile River. The annual recharge is the following: Sudan Platform: 1.44 ± 0.42 km³/yr, Dakhla: 0.135 km³/yr and Kufra: 4.89 km³/yr. Withdrawal rates are as follows: Egypt: 1.029 km³/yr; Libya: 0.851 km³/yr; Sudan: 0.406 km³/yr; Chad: 0.001 km³/yr; and Sudan: 0.406 km³/yr The amount of water in the (NSAS) in North Africa is estimated at approximately 150,000 km³. This volume is equivalent to about 500 years' worth of the Nile River's discharge. The NSAS is the most extensive fossil aquifer complex globally underlying an area of 2,200,000 km². The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and communities grappling with the challenges of groundwater resources to face climate change and water demands.

Advisor: Aaron Mittelstet