A framework for defining equity and sustainability in the Nile River Basin

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to objectively define the two important terms, ‘equity’ and ‘without appreciable harm’, in the water utilization principles enshrined in the United Nation (UN) Convention in the context of visions of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). Need-based allocation of Nile waters and the new emerging concept of ‘reserved’ and ‘shared’ water were used as tools to quantify equity. Results of allocation based on per capita per year indicated that Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt and Equatorial states, each, will get 15, 22, 49, and 14% of the annual flow of Nile waters, respectively. Evaluation of allocation scenarios of the Nile waters revealed that allocation based on the 1959 Water Agreement does not guarantee sustainable utilization and does not comply with the UN Convention. However, allocation based on the weighted area and per capita methods were found to guarantee sustainable utilization and to comply with the UN Convention. The results of this study can be used as a framework of negotiation platform to open up more fruitful discussions and dialogues among decision makers in the basin states.