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Bolstering sustainable groundwater development in the Limpopo Basin

By IW:LEARN

March 27^th, 2024

Like surface water, groundwater reserves frequently cross international frontiers, potentially igniting disputes among nations that rely on this essential resource. Disagreements over shared groundwater can arise from various issues, such as inequitable resource distribution, diverse water needs and economic dependencies, governance challenges, and the varying effects of climate change on water availability. Effectively managed transboundary aquifers have the potential to nurture goodwill and collective action among nations, whereas mismanagement could lead to conflicts and negatively affect the sustainable utilization of these water reserves.

Therefore, it is crucial to have robust governance strategies for fair and sustainable resource distribution. Open and transparent communication among nations, coupled with cooperative initiatives such as mutual monitoring and knowledge exchange, is essential to alleviate tensions and ensure the responsible use of groundwater. By embracing such collaborative measures, states can move towards a more peaceful and cooperative management of shared groundwater resources.

In the Southern African region, groundwater is a lifeline for most of the population. Estimates suggest that over 70% of the roughly 345 million inhabitants in the SADC region depend on it as their primary water source.

Bolstering sustainable groundwater development in the Limpopo Basin

UNESCO's data reveals a stark reliance on groundwater, with 60% of the rural populace and 40% of their urban counterparts turning to these subterranean supplies for daily water needs. These figures not only illuminate the fundamental role of groundwater in sustaining livelihoods but also underscore the need for prudent management, especially regarding shared resources across borders.

With the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA), SADC-GMI is advancing research into Transboundary Aquifers, aiming for sustainable management. As part of implementing Phase 2 of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Project, SADC-GMI is working in partnership with the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) and the Limpopo Groundwater Committee to formulate the Limpopo Groundwater Strategy.

The core goal of this strategy is to advocate for the strategic importance of groundwater and ensure its equitable use, sustainable management, and protection among Member States that form the Limpopo River Basin. The strategy and its implementation framework are designed to provide a structured approach and starting point for comprehensive reform in how groundwater resources are developed and managed across riparian Member States.

The strategy was developed in a comprehensive consultation process. During the last workshop held in November 2023, the following key challenges to be addressed by the strategy were identified:

Deficient infrastructure for effective data collection and dissemination.
Lack of established protocols to promote data sharing between riparian states.
The capacity of the LIMCOM Secretariate and Member States in groundwater management must be enhanced.
For more effective and cohesive management, linkages between regional, transboundary, intra-aquifer, and national groundwater management structures are needed.

The Limpopo Basin, shared by Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, is home to approximately 18 million inhabitants. The basin has aquifer systems of varying nature, including three major transboundary aquifers (Ramotswa Aquifer, the Tuli Karoo Aquifer, and the Limpopo Aquifer Basin). Transboundary aquifers epitomize vital water reserves and are a peace and international cooperation conduit. Through joint stewardship and equitable utilization of these groundwater resources, nations chart a course toward stability and shared affluence.

About the SADC Member States Project: Phase 2

The project builds on the achievements of the recently completed Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Project, and it is aligned with the SADC Regional Strategic Action Plans (RSAPs) on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management. The 2nd Phase of the project addresses the issues through three main components:

1. Capacity Development: Focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of individuals, institutions, and organizations regarding water resources management.

2. Knowledge Management: Aims to improve how knowledge is captured, shared, and used within the region.

3. Building Resilient Livelihoods: This component is working towards strengthening the ability of communities and stakeholders to withstand and adapt to changes in water availability, climate variability, and other factors that could impact water resources and, consequently, livelihoods.

These components are essential for fostering sustainability and resilience in the management of water resources and for supporting socio-economic development within the SADC region.

For more information on the project, please contact the Project Coordinator and SADC-GMI Executive Director, James Sauramba (jamess@sadc-gmi.org), visit the project page on iwlearn.net or the project website.