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.

Love Opeyemi David is an interdisciplinary social scientist proficient in Digital Transformation, Project Management, Resource Management, Management Science, and Infrastructure Development & Management. He bagged First Class Honors in his Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) and earned a Master of Technology (M. Tech) with Distinction in Project Management Technology from the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. degree in Construction Management from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. David has demonstrated his expertise by publishing scholarly articles in reputable, Scopus-indexed journals. His diverse research interests encompass the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, Project Management, Infrastructure Development & Management, Management Science, Circular Economy, Sustainable Development/Sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (including Blockchain technology, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, etc.). He is currently the Managing Editor of the Journal of Digital Food, Energy and Water Systems (JDFEWS) and Area Editor (Global Challenges), Data & Policy Journal, Cambridge University Press.

Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa holds the distinguished position of Professor in the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Concurrently, he serves as the Director of the cidb Centre of Excellence and the Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre, at the University of Johannesburg. With a completed PhD in Engineering Management, Professor Aigbavboa is a seasoned academician and researcher, making significant contributions across diverse fields such as housing, construction digitalization, sustainability, engineering management, and technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution. His extensive portfolio includes the publication of numerous research papers and books that delve into these critical areas, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in the construction domain. In addition to his research, Professor Aigbavboa actively teaches the next generation of construction professionals. He assumes responsibility for teaching research methodology to construction students, further solidifying his dedication to fostering academic excellence. Beyond the academic sphere, he leverages his wealth of knowledge in practice, research, training, and teaching. A member of various professional organizations, Professor Aigbavboa's influence extends beyond the university campus, contributing to the broader landscape of construction and engineering.

Nnamdi Ikechi Nwulu holds the position of Professor of Sustainable Cyber-Physical Engineering Systems and serves as the Director of the Centre for Cyber Physical Food, Energy & Water Systems (CCP-FEWS) at the University of Johannesburg. Additionally, he is the Chairholder of the South Africa/ Switzerland Bilateral Chair in Blockchain Technology (SARChI Chair). His research focuses on the practical applications of digital technologies, mathematical optimization techniques, and machine learning algorithms in food, energy, and water systems. Nwulu's scholarly contributions include eight published books and over 70 peer-reviewed journal publications, earning him the prestigious 2021 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers in the Engineering/Technology Category. He was also recognized as a finalist for the 2020/2021 TW Kambule-NSTF-South32 Award in the Emerging Researcher category and was honored with the 2020 UJ Vice Chancellor's Most Promising Young Researcher award. His memberships include the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and various other professional associations. Furthermore, Professor Nwulu serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Digital Food Energy and Water Systems (JD-FEWS) and as an Associate Editor for the IET Renewable Power Generation (IET-RPG) and the African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation & Development (AJSTID).