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\begin{document}

\title{Sustainable Virtual Water Transfers: A Comparative Assessment of the
Topical Condition of Water Scarcity and Water Savings in Africa}



\author[1]{Hubert Hirwa}%
\author[2]{Yu Peng}%
\author[3]{Qiuying Zhang}%
\author[2]{Yunfeng Qiao}%
\author[2]{Peifang Leng}%
\author[2]{Chao Tian}%
\author[4]{Guang Yang}%
\author[2]{Fabien Muhirwa}%
\author[5]{Salif Diop}%
\author[2]{Alphonse KAYIRANGA}%
\author[1]{Li Fadong}%
\affil[1]{Institute of geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences}%
\affil[2]{Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research}%
\affil[3]{Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences}%
\affil[4]{College of Water and Architectural Engineering}%
\affil[5]{National Academy of Sciences of Senegal}%


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  \date{May 23, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
Humanity is facing an increasing challenge with respect to water
scarcity (WS). This issue is driven by climate change, population
growth, and socioeconomic growth combined with inadequate water
resources management. In particular, there is considerable concern over
virtual water (VW) transfers, which pose difficulties for water
resources and food security sustainability. In this study, we assessed
the i) VW content of crops, ii) VW flows, iii) WS, iv) water dependency
(WD), v) water self-sufficiency, and vi) water savings/losses in African
countries at different time series. We also addressed censorious issues
and challenges for sustainable development in water-scarce regions. The
results showed that the average net VW import was positive (108.9 x
10\^{}9 m3/a). The WS values for East African countries were
\textgreater{} 100, indicating overexploitation. In addition, the
overall WD in Africa was 4655\% in recent years. The trade of main
grains between Africa and the rest of the planet corresponded to a
global water loss of 2820.7 x 10\^{}9 m3/a. However, a shift was
observed in the ranking of commodities imported from one region to
another owing to the evolution of a country's economic development. The
VW export of a country depended on the population size, gross domestic
product, agricultural production, and area of arable land. Finally, we
highlight opportunities for enhancing water use efficiency by increasing
food production in water-scarce regions, thereby contributing to the
achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.%
\end{abstract}%



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\textbf{Hosted file}

\verb`supplementary_information for_sustainable virtual water transfers a comparative assessment of the topical condition.docx`  available at \url{https://authorea.com/users/537573/articles/599367-sustainable-virtual-water-transfers-a-comparative-assessment-of-the-topical-condition-of-water-scarcity-and-water-savings-in-africa}

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