Routledge Water Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: Digitalization and Sustainability of Water Infrastructure (Routledge Research Collections for Construction in Developing Countries)

This book highlights the pivotal role of water infrastructure as the bridge between water availability, supply, and stability, essential for achieving water security. Water Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: Digitalization and Sustainability of Water Infrastructure focuses on three strategic areas: digitalization, sustainability, and investment paradigms for water infrastructure. Its goal is to achieve and stabilize water security in Sub-Saharan Africa through transformative infrastructure solutions. This book seeks to address the challenges of water scarcity by advancing water security in Sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable digital water infrastructure. It develops comprehensive frameworks that integrate digitalization and sustainability principles into water infrastructure design and management. Beginning with an exploration of water security dynamics and underpinning theories, the book examines the concept of water infrastructure through case studies. Using the Delphi technique, it proposes a sustainability framework encompassing cleaner production, water efficiency, green infrastructure, and the circular water economy. Additionally, the book explores the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain, into water infrastructure. These advancements culminate in a synthesized framework for sustainable digitalization, which is analyzed across various investment paradigms, considering urban-rural dynamics. This groundbreaking book is the first to comprehensively integrate digitalization and sustainability into water infrastructure management. It aims to support informed decision-making for achieving water security in Africa. By offering cost-effective solutions for water operations and maintenance, real-time monitoring, and strategies for water efficiency, the book promotes optimal water allocation and improved water quality. Furthermore, it seeks to reshape and repurpose water-related policies, aligning them with digital and sustainability principles to enhance their effectiveness. The book also outlines strategies for attracting critical investments to the water sector, providing a roadmap for sustainable water security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This book is a must-have for policy makers, investors, researchers and practitioners within the water sector for optimal utilization and security of water resources.