Many climate scientists already have predicted the disappearance of some big rivers from the world map. But, it is for the first time new research suggests even a small decrease in rainfall on the continent could cause a drastic reduction in river water, the lifeblood for rural populations in Africa. But, many climate scientists already predict that less rain will fall annually in parts of Africa within 50 years due to global warming.
According to the new study, a decrease in water availability could occur across about 25 percent of the continent. Areas in northwestern and southern Africa would be hit the hardest. And some of the most serious effects will strike large areas of Botswana and South Africa. The findings appear in the current edition of the online journal Science Express.