The Stream, August 20: Tanzania Cuts off Water to Farmers to Protect Hydropower

The Global Rundown

In Tanzania, the government is confronting the energy food nexus by declaring hydropower plants as protected areas, thus preventing farmers from using the water resources for irrigation. In California, the San Joaquin River Valley is sinking at an increased speed thanks to groundwater depletion. Flooding in Myanmar has left tens of thousands without access to clean drinking or bathing water, causing a health crisis.

“If someone asks me to stop fishing or farming, what else can I do to feed my family?” — Eliudi Samzi, a rice farmer in Tanzania who is losing access to his irrigation water. The Tanzanian government has moved to declare water resources with hydropower plants as nationally protected territory, stopping farmers from using the water to produce food. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

8000 – Number of Tanzanian rice farmers who risk losing access to their water supply on the Great Ruaha River. The Tanzanian government is classifying water connected to hydropower as “protected territory”, and cutting off other uses. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Groundwater overdraft is causing severe subsidence in San Joaquin River Valley of California. A report released today from the California Dept. of Water Resources said the valley is sinking lower than ever due to groundwater depletion. California Department of Water Resources

On The Radar

Flooding in Myanmar has led to a health crisis caused by contaminated water, according to authorities. Ponds and wells have been contaminated by stormwater, leaving tens of thousands without access to clean drinking or bathing water. Reuters