Nile River Basin

Abstract

Global water stress is continuingly increasing along with the increase in water demand. Rivers are the most relatively accessible sources with better water quality. Water quantity and quality of river water issues have become a source of conflicts. The Nile basin is a model for a water-stressed transboundary basin. Water quantity and sharing are creating conflict while water quality problems are growing. Watersheds and rivers are linked and watershed management adversely or positively affects river water quantity and quality. Land grab in the Nile basin, at the current scale, is a new phenomenon that is introducing new interests in the water. Failure by the riparian countries to come into agreement of water management and sharing will increase unilateral water control projects. In this chapter, basic information on the current cause of conflict on transboundary water rights, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is provided.