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Ripples of sustainability

Phase 2 of international groundwater management in the Southern African Development Community

By IW:LEARN

January 22^nd, 2024

Through funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) - Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) continues implementing inventive and impactful initiatives to support sustainable groundwater management resources in the SADC region. The Institute is implementing sustainable groundwater management in SADC Member States project Phase 2. The project addresses the findings of the regional policy, legal, and institutional gap analysis conducted in 2019, which revealed that deficiencies exist in capacity development, knowledge management, and the use of groundwater to build resilient livelihoods across the region. The project uses these three broad components to bridge the identified gaps during the analysis process: Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, and Building Resilient Livelihoods.

Since its inception in November 2021, the project has made impressive progress in its implementation. Several initiatives to support sustainable groundwater development are being undertaken and are at various stages in several Member States. These initiatives cut across the three main components of the project.

Highlights of the projects currently under implementation

Groundwater Information Portal Enhancement

SADC-GMI is currently implementing phase 2 of the Groundwater Information Portal, the project is aimed at augmenting the portal that was first revived in 2019/2020 with more features, for example, incorporating time series data, and generating graphs and maps. Moreover, where data is missing, applying big data analytics and machine learning to generate useful information for stakeholders. The project aims to harmonize and enhance the sharing of hydrogeological data among Member States, and it follows up on the (SADC-GW-DataCoM project) which was implemented during phase 1.

Development of the Limpopo Groundwater Strategy to bolster sustainable groundwater development in the Limpopo Basin.

Recognizing the substantial role of River Basin Organizations (RBOs) in promoting the sustainable development of groundwater resources in the SADC region, the SADC-GMI began an initiative to integrate groundwater management into RBOs. As a result, in collaboration with riparian Member States that form the Limpopo Basin (LIMCOM), SADC-GMI is implementing the LIMCOM Groundwater Strategy to bolster the sustainable development and management of groundwater in the Limpopo Basin. The strategy will involve collaborative groundwater development and management, aligning with both existing and upcoming groundwater projects throughout the basin.

The Limpopo Basin, shared between Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, is home to approximately 18 million inhabitants. Developing and implementing a groundwater strategy could be a significant step in addressing some of the existing challenges. This strategic approach could offer targeted solutions and foster better groundwater management.

Group discussions during the Limpopo Groundwater Strategy validation workshop. Photo: SADC-GMI CIWA

With the successful conclusion of the Water Supply project in Zimbabwe, farmers now have access to water for crop irrigation, implying an enhancement in the community's livelihoods. Photo: SADC-GMI CIWA

The establishment of the National Focal Groups (NFGs) in Member States

Utilizing the funding from the GEF and CIWA, SADC-GMI is executing the establishment of the National Focal Groups project. The group's primary objective is to act as an advocacy body with a unified voice within the country to heighten groundwater's profile. This project is a culmination of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Project's first phase, during which five National Focal Groups were established in Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The component 1.1 of the SGM in SADC Member States project Phase 2 has allocated resources for establishing three additional National Focal Groups and intensively building the capacity of the collective eight NFGs. This project plays a critical role in building institutional capacity at the country level, thus improving the management of groundwater resources. As OneWorld Sustainable Investments finalizes the first eight National Focal Groups, SADC-GMI is also launching additional NFGs using its internal resources in the remaining eight Member States. The aim is to ensure that all 16 SADC Member States have operational NFG structures in place.

SADC-GMI, in collaboration with OneWorld Sustainable Investments, organized a workshop to consult with Member States, aiming to understand challenges faced in establishing their National Focal Groups. Photo: SADC-GMI CIWA

The implementation of Sub-grant Projects

As part of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Phase 2 Project's component 3, SADC-GMI has initiated the implementation of 12 pilot projects across 12 Member States. These projects target the enhancement of resilient livelihoods and inclusive groundwater management in participating countries. With the technical support from SADC-GMI, the following Member States are at various stages of the project's implementation: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Outlook

In 2024, SADC-GMI, still supported by the GEF funding, will continue with the implementation of current projects. Furthermore, it will launch capacity development initiatives to equip groundwater professionals from Member States with the necessary skills and knowledge for improved regional groundwater management. The planned training initiatives are tailored to address the region's assessed training needs.

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.