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90% of all cases of malaria in the world occur in Africa. Africa remains by far the worst
affected continent, with 365 million cases of malaria in 2002. The WHO (2005) report
on malaria in Africa indicates that malaria is the cause of at least one death in five
among very young children. More than 80% of deaths caused by this pathology occur in
Africa, where it threatens an estimated 66% of the population. According to the WHO,
the only African countries where the disease is not endemic are Lesotho, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Seychelles and Tunisia (Annex 9).
The areas having fully controlled drainage system under surface irrigation in the
world is close to 40%. In the countries of DEV, the areas having fully controlled
drainage system under surface irrigation is close to 75% (Figure 10.3). In COMCEC
Member Countries as a whole, this figure is close to 35%. Total cultivated area drained
is close to 15% in the world. This rate is higher than those of DEV, OECD and Asian
Group countries which are 21%, 25% and 30% respectively. The areas having fully
controlled drainage system under surface irrigation in COMCEC countries is close to
14% (Annex 9).
It is an absolute necessity to have a drainage system in areas under surface
irrigation for a sustainable and high quality production. As known, in the areas where
surface irrigation method used, there is an excessive use of water. The mentioned
excessive water accumulates in time depending on the conditions and causes soil and
groundwater salinity. And this consequently leads to both environmental (health,
deterioration of natural resources) and agricultural production (decrease in quality and
yield) problems.