Wadi Howar's Water Resources

Although located in a sparsely populated and insufficiently investigated area, Wadi Howar deserves special consideration owing to its large area and geographic importance. Extending across the Darfur province of Sudan, from the central part of the continent in the north-east direction, Wadi Howar is more than 600 km long. The average width of the wadi and its alluvial terrace in the middle of the lower flow stretch is about 6km, while the widest parts of exposed deposits are about 10 km and the narrowest 3 km. Thus, due to its immense size one can easily predict that this wadi, in its bed, might store large quantities of groundwater indispensable for life preservation in such an arid area. In the geological past Wadi Howar was probably one of the most important tributaries of the Paleo Nile. Answers to the main questions on hydrogeological problems of Wadi Howar and successful utilization of water in the area can be found by a carefully prepared programme of investigation. The key questions are the source of recharge and the elements of groundwater flow through the wadi. Nowdays, having at our disposal all means of modern technology for groundwater investigation and implementation, it seems quite possible that the groundwater of Wadi Howar could be utilized for argicultural development. This presents an obvious opportunity for revitalizing the adjoining area preventing further desert expansion in this region as the ultimate goal of multilateral action.