Although some African countries have high annual averages of available water per capita, many others already or soon will face water stress (1 700 m3 or less per person annually) or scarcity conditions (1 000 m3 or less per person annually). Currently, 14 countries in Africa are subject to water stress or water scarcity, with those in Northern Africa facing the worst prospects (Johns Hopkins 1998). A further 11 countries will join them in the next 25 years (Johns Hopkins 1998).