In some cases, the linkage between groundwater recharge and geophysical conditions could be complicated by land use change. For example, in the West African semiarid belt, clearing savannah for cropland modified soil properties and infiltration capacities, which substantially increased groundwater recharge (Leblanc et al. While surface water rights are often predetermined and access involves engagement with other institutions, groundwater can in many cases be accessed by simply drilling a well - something under direct control of the farmer. Both of these factors have contributed to rapid growth in groundwater withdrawals in many regions.