The rapid urbanization of Addis Ababa and its environs and many other cities in sub-Saharan Africa is putting immense pressure on groundwater resources. In Addis Ababa, the population has grown dramatically over the last few decades, with the urban area expanding by over 21% between 2010-2020. This breakneck growth has led to a nearly 40% increase in groundwater abstraction over the same period, far outpacing local natural recharge. As a result, the groundwater table in Addis Ababa has dropped noticeably, even in some areas drying of productive boreholes.

Climate change is exacerbating the crisis, with a reduction in annual rainfall in the sub-region. This has decreased natural groundwater recharge by over 12% over the past few decades. Climate models project a further decline in rainfall, which could lead to a shocking reduction in groundwater recharge if current over-abstraction trends continue.

Without intervention, this unsustainable use of groundwater resources will lead to further declines in water tables, well failures, and potential damages to the biophysical environment. This presentation will explore the key challenges and potential solutions for sustainable groundwater management in rapidly growing cities like Addis Ababa under the dual pressures of urbanization and climate change. Strategies to be discussed include main challenges of sustainable use and solution directions that include improved monitoring, demand management, wastewater recycling, and conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources.