Perceptions, practices, principles and policies in provision of livestock water in Africa

Adequate water supplies are essential to efficient livestock production. In many areas livestock are in conflict with crops for water and for key areas of use. Both surface and underground sources are exploited by livestock. Conflict arises in the use of water between different users and uses: extraction for irrigation, for example, can remove “key resource” areas from the annual cycle of livestock keepers. Spacing, location and time of access are important considerations in provision of water. Past development has provided water in quantities and for periods that have enabled livestock numbers to build up in excess of those that can be maintained by the available feed. More consultation and participation of livestock owners than in the past is needed in the future in the provision of livestock water. New developments and continuing provision of livestock water must, however, to be contingent on owners making physical and financial contributions. These contributions can include supply of labour and draught power for well or pond development and cost recovery of capital investment and recurrent expenditure, either in full or in part. Policies related to water for livestock need to be broad based and in accordance with education, health and social provisions.