Nile water resources of the Sudan. Present and future utilization

According to the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement the Sudan's share of the Nile Waters was set at 18.5 milliards (×10⁹ m³), whereas that of Egypt was 55.5 milliards as measured at Aswan. Sudan is predominantly an agricultural country and of the estimated 84 million ha suitable for arable crop production, only about 7 million ha are actually planted to crops of which 2 million are irrigated. Nile Waters are the main source for irrigation in the Sudan and at present about 18.26 milliards are drawn of the 20.35 milliards share as measured in Sennar. With the projected short and medium term expansion a deficit of 7 milliards will be encountered by the year 1990. About 45 milliards of water is being lost from the Nile basin in the swampy areas of the Sudd region in the Southern Sudan. Water conservation projects are sought to increase yields. Jonglei I which is under way would promote an additional 2.13 milliards to Sudan's share. The Nile basin countries cooperation is sought in this respect in order to promote further projects and for better utilization and control of the Nile waters.