Abstract

The chapter explores Egypt’s long-standing, complex relationship with the Nile River. It depicts the historical evolution of water-sharing agreements that have governed the Nile water management, the river flow trends across and within Egypt’s borders, its importance to Egypt, and the government policies and efforts regulating and preserving its management. The chapter analyzes the contemporary challenges facing Egypt in managing the Nile waters, highlighting the growing problem of water scarcity in terms of quality and quantity, which has devastating impacts on economic growth, particularly for key sectors heavily dependent on the Nile waters, including agriculture, population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. The chapter also emphasizes climate change impacts, which exacerbate water scarcity concerns, threatening agricultural productivity, food security, and the country’s path toward development. In conclusion, it advocates for a holistic, innovative approach to water management, with enhanced stakeholder engagement across sectors to navigate these challenges and build a resilient future in the face of growing water scarcity.