In sub-Saharan Africa problems associated with water scarcity are aggravated by increasing demands for food and water, climate change and environmental degradation. Livestock keeping, an important livelihood strategy for smallholder farmers in Africa, is a major consumer of water, and its water consumption is increasing with increasing demands for livestock products. One of the key objectives of this review is to identify promising strategies and technological interventions for improved livestock water productivity (LWP) using a framework for mixed crop-livestock systems. Water management for higher LWP comprises water conservation, watering point management, and integration of livestock production in irrigation schemes. Evidence indicates that successful uptake of interventions can be achieved if institutions, policies, and gender are considered.