**2.1 Growing populations and urbanization**

Senegal, like many other developing countries in Africa, is experiencing rapid urbanization. In 1960, its population was estimated at 3.207 million people and in 2017, 15.851 million people (**Figure 3**) [14]. The urban population has grown from 738,000 in 1960 to 7409 million in 2017 (**Figure 4**). This urban population, which accounted for only 23% of the total population of the country in 1960, therefore rose to 45.9% in 2015. The share of the urban population increased considerably between 1960 and 2014. The data show that 23% of the population living in urban areas in 1960 increased to 45.9% in 2015. The share of the population living in urban areas has increased dramatically in Senegal in recent decades. Thus, the urban growth rate is 4.78 and 3.46%, respectively over the periods 1960–1985 and

#### **Figure 2.**

*Notice of disturbance of water supply by Senegalese water.*

#### **Figure 3.**

*Senegal's total population: semi-annual estimates of the resident population from 1960 to 2017 (source: World Bank database).*

**105**

considerably.

**Figure 4.**

*World Bank database).*

*Water Resources and Their Management in an Increasing Urban Demography: The Case…*

1985–2015. This rapid pace of urban growth can be explained by the drought of the

*Urban population of Senegal: semi-annual estimates of the resident population from 1960 to 2017 (source:* 

According to United Nations estimates, the urban population of Senegal will increase to 11.778 million by 2030, which will represent 53.24% of the national population (22.123 million in 2030). As for the city of Dakar, its population will increase to 4.339 million by 2030 (**Figure 5**), which will represent more than 38.84% of the urban population [14]. Urbanization does not only mean swelling of the population, but also an increase in the area requiring better services. The rural exodus from sub-Saharan Africa is the main cause of the rapid growth of the urban population. To cope with the strong urban growth, water production has risen

The growing population (**Figures 4** and **5**) continues to put pressure on available water resources, resulting in a reduction in per capita water availability. According to projections, 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050 [15]. The growing population continues to increase the demand for water for domestic,

Africa currently has three main causes: (1) displacement of people from rural areas to urban centers; (2) the increase in the urban population, especially when economic opportunities extend to previously rural areas; and (3) the development of previously rural areas in urban areas due to increased economic activity [11]. Although it is difficult to define exactly an urban environment, it is widely accepted that the term could be determined by location, size of population and percentage of non-agricultural activities, pressures on environmental resources such as water. In recent years, urbanization of rural areas has increased

Although urbanization has many economic and social benefits, it causes many environmental problems such as loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution and increased pressure on arable land [16]. It has directly affected the availability and quality of water due to increased demand and pollution resulting from its many applications. Many developing countries are facing the problem of access to safe drinking water. In Senegal, rapid urbanization has prevented some cities from coping with the huge demand for clean and sufficient water. In Dakar, faced with strong urban growth (an average of 120,000 people per year), the improvement and expansion of infrastructure is very expensive and, as a result, does not generally keep pace with the growth. This makes wastewater management very problematic.

in 1997 to 172.27 million m3

in 2015 (**Figure 6**).

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90218*

1970s [2] and its corollary rural exodus.

drastically, from 95.32 million m3

industrial and agricultural purposes.

*Water Resources and Their Management in an Increasing Urban Demography: The Case… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90218*

**Figure 4.**

*Resources of Water*

**2.1 Growing populations and urbanization**

Senegal, like many other developing countries in Africa, is experiencing rapid urbanization. In 1960, its population was estimated at 3.207 million people and in 2017, 15.851 million people (**Figure 3**) [14]. The urban population has grown from 738,000 in 1960 to 7409 million in 2017 (**Figure 4**). This urban population, which accounted for only 23% of the total population of the country in 1960, therefore rose to 45.9% in 2015. The share of the urban population increased considerably between 1960 and 2014. The data show that 23% of the population living in urban areas in 1960 increased to 45.9% in 2015. The share of the population living in urban areas has increased dramatically in Senegal in recent decades. Thus, the urban growth rate is 4.78 and 3.46%, respectively over the periods 1960–1985 and

*Senegal's total population: semi-annual estimates of the resident population from 1960 to 2017 (source: World* 

**104**

**Figure 3.**

*Bank database).*

**Figure 2.**

*Notice of disturbance of water supply by Senegalese water.*

*Urban population of Senegal: semi-annual estimates of the resident population from 1960 to 2017 (source: World Bank database).*

1985–2015. This rapid pace of urban growth can be explained by the drought of the 1970s [2] and its corollary rural exodus.

According to United Nations estimates, the urban population of Senegal will increase to 11.778 million by 2030, which will represent 53.24% of the national population (22.123 million in 2030). As for the city of Dakar, its population will increase to 4.339 million by 2030 (**Figure 5**), which will represent more than 38.84% of the urban population [14]. Urbanization does not only mean swelling of the population, but also an increase in the area requiring better services. The rural exodus from sub-Saharan Africa is the main cause of the rapid growth of the urban population. To cope with the strong urban growth, water production has risen drastically, from 95.32 million m3 in 1997 to 172.27 million m3 in 2015 (**Figure 6**). The growing population (**Figures 4** and **5**) continues to put pressure on available water resources, resulting in a reduction in per capita water availability. According to projections, 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050 [15]. The growing population continues to increase the demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes.

Africa currently has three main causes: (1) displacement of people from rural areas to urban centers; (2) the increase in the urban population, especially when economic opportunities extend to previously rural areas; and (3) the development of previously rural areas in urban areas due to increased economic activity [11]. Although it is difficult to define exactly an urban environment, it is widely accepted that the term could be determined by location, size of population and percentage of non-agricultural activities, pressures on environmental resources such as water. In recent years, urbanization of rural areas has increased considerably.

Although urbanization has many economic and social benefits, it causes many environmental problems such as loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution and increased pressure on arable land [16]. It has directly affected the availability and quality of water due to increased demand and pollution resulting from its many applications. Many developing countries are facing the problem of access to safe drinking water. In Senegal, rapid urbanization has prevented some cities from coping with the huge demand for clean and sufficient water. In Dakar, faced with strong urban growth (an average of 120,000 people per year), the improvement and expansion of infrastructure is very expensive and, as a result, does not generally keep pace with the growth. This makes wastewater management very problematic.

#### **Figure 5.**

*Urban population of three cities in Senegal: semi-annual estimates of the resident population from 1960 to 2035 (source: World Bank database).*

**Figure 6.**

*Evolution of water production by the SDE (SONES perimeter) from 1997 to 2015.*

In addition, pollution from agricultural production (urban farmers irrigating their crops with untreated wastewater) and industrial production has become one of the biggest challenges for Senegal's water resources [17]. In addition, because of the growing population and its corollary the increase in water needs, the lack of protection of water sources, the scarcity of the resource and the pollution it faces are a source of hindrance improved and protected water.

**107**

**Figure 7.**

*banks of the Falémé.*

*Water Resources and Their Management in an Increasing Urban Demography: The Case…*

The water sources available in Senegal are frequently affected by pollution of chemical, microbiological or thermal origin. Chemical contamination of this water, often used for drinking, can result from the presence of excess nutrients, acidification, salinity, heavy metals and organic pollutants [18]. Reports indicate that industries at 32.5% and agriculture at 14% are the sectors that contribute most to the economic development of any population [19]. On the other hand, 80% of the water contamination comes from these two important sectors. Agricultural practices, industrialization, mining, and open sewer lines parallel to the water system are responsible for most of the problems affecting water quality (**Figure 7**).

The lack of adequate management of liquid and solid waste results in the deposit of this waste directly into water bodies (**Figure 7**), which contributes to the vicious circle of water destruction. In fact, the growth and development of agriculture in Senegal has led to an increase in the use of fertilizers. Agrochemicals end up in bodies of water causing considerable pollution. In addition, most industrial water treatment plants discharge partially treated or totally untreated effluents into surface water sources, which often contain high levels of toxic substances. These pollutants and other pollutants of domestic origin continue to cause environmental problems [11]. Many Senegalese living in informal urban areas lack access to safe drinking water, often resulting in multiple epidemics that affect their health and livelihoods. In addition, large leaks in water pipes (**Figure 7**), dilapidated infrastructure and illegal connections still hinder the availability of drinking water supply. Due to the large leaks in the water channels, the treated water is sometimes contaminated

*Water quality degradation factors in Senegal: (1) CSS effluent discharges into Lake Guiers; (2) water line between the lake and Dakar damaged; (3) domestic uses on Falémé; (4) equipment for washing gold on the* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90218*

**2.2 Contamination of available water**

before reaching the users.

*Water Resources and Their Management in an Increasing Urban Demography: The Case… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90218*
