4- Conflicts of Dams: How to make use of the scarce resource peacefully.

In concluding my previous blog, I underscored the critical role of public water conservancy projects spearheaded by governmental bodies. In this blog, I aim to illustrate this point by examining artificial dams argument on the Nile river. This analysis will encompass the dam's multifaceted impact on agriculture and economics. Finally, this blog will discuss the resource utilization of rivers and the rational allocation of water resources upstream and downstream.

dams on Nile River

The Aswan High Dam, finalized in 1970 as a pivotal government-led project, exemplifies the critical importance of state-directed initiatives in water resource management. The construction of the dam directly caused the creation of Lake Nasser. The reservoir's construction had far-reaching effects, necessitating the relocation of over 50,000 people. Beyond its immediate social implications, the dam has been instrumental in bolstering Egypt's agricultural sector. By providing consistent irrigation and mitigating the risks of floods and droughts, it has substantially enhanced agricultural sustainability. General public and media are saying the dam not only protects people from flood and drought, but ‘helps farmers irrigate their crops all year’. Plus the dam is producing huge amount of electricity every year. The dam generates a whopping 2,100 megawatts of electricity, which provides half of Egypt's power demands.

Aswan High Dam

Following the demonstrable advantages realized from the Aswan Dam in Egypt, Ethiopia, which also shares the Nile River, has recently proposed constructing and filling its own dam. Positioned upstream, Ethiopia's dam would generate a different consequence compared to Egypt. The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam along the upper Nile inevitably raises concerns about the impact on water resource availability downstream. As highlighted in the referenced video, nations situated in the middle and lower Nile basin, particularly Egypt and Sudan, have expressed worrisome and object about Ethiopia's project.

One of their primary concerns is that the Ethiopian Dam could exploit water resources, potentially impacting the agricultural industries of downstream countries. However, on the Ethiopia side, the country benefits ‘a starggering USD 6.79 billion in real GDP’ and secured water and food for millions of people.

Prior to Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan had already established the Aswan Dam and the Sennar Dam on the Nile River. The proposition of the Ethiopian dam has sparked significant debates and public opinion disputes, primarily due to the long-standing inability to establish cooperative water resource management within the Nile River Basin. Confronted with the pressing issue of regional water scarcity, an effective resolution lies in fostering a collaborative approach. Establishing an overall water management plan among the nations within the Nile Basin could significantly enhance water efficiency and increase economics development. 

In conclusion, the complex dynamics surrounding the dams of the Nile River highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts. Collective management and stewardship of water resources are paramount, serving a dual purpose: ensuring fair utilization and bolstering food security throughout the river basin.