The Nile River Basin is the largest in Africa and one of the largest in the world. However, demands on water resources for agriculture, industry and municipal uses are rapidly outstripping available supplies and the Nile River Basin is rapidly approaching a condition of water scarcity. Arrangements for water sharing and integrated management are acutely needed. A number of considerations have been studied and a strategy has been articulated. The ultimate objective of the strategy is the comprehensive development of water resources of the Nile River Basin.The strategy is based upon clarity of objectives and priorities, respect of international rules, the ability to continue in a peaceful dialogue among stakeholders in a cooperative spirit and sharing of available information. Success is conditional upon ownership of solutions, learning from experience, prevalence of trust in relationships and participatory processes supported by political will. The mechanisms to apply the strategy are based on a three - pronged approach, each proceeding in parallel but collectively contributing to the same objective. (1) Non-Governmental Approach eg.; the Nile 2002 Conference series, the International Nile Basin Association (INBA). These professional associations play an important unofficial role bringing together professionals and experts to share information, knowledge and experience. (2) Intergovernmental Approach, which is not yet fully developed. An embryonic start in the form of a Technical Cooperation Committee for the Promotion of the Development and Environmental Protection of the Nile Basin (TECCONILE) is currently in place with a very limited role to foster technical cooperation for the promotion of the development and environmental protection of the Nile Basin. TECCONILE has produced an action plan and its implementation is underway. (3) Multilateral Approach involving all external support agencies which by nature have certain limitations resulting in the inability to develop decisive solutions. Their role however, is important in mobilizing world resources to help with the development aspects.
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