Developing quantitative aquifer maps for Africa

In 2010 the Department for International Development (DFID) commissioned a BGS-led team to undertake a one-year study aimed to improve understanding of the resilience of African groundwater to climate change and links to livelihoods. As part of this project, the research team undertook hydrogeological field studies in West and East Africa, examined the linkages between water use and household economy, and developed an aquifer resilience map for Africa using geological and hydrologeological maps and information. This is one of a series of progress reports written for the project partners and steering group to help discussion. The report describes the approach used to develop the quantitative base maps required to build a final map of groundwater resilience to climate change in Africa.