As published by CSIR Strategic Communications
Partners from several African countries working on an Africa Union (AU) project met from 26-30 January 2015 at Forever Resorts, Loskop dam in Mpumalanga to discuss possible technology demonstrators in Africa.
The project titled: Using Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) best practices to develop Appropriate Capacity and Training for the benefit of Sub-Saharan Africa Water Security (ACT4SSAWS), aims to develop best practices for IWRM, guided by case studies in pilot areas in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia.
- Dr Paul Oberholster
“The aim is to address the challenges facing local communities and stakeholders in all partner countries,” explains Dr Paul Oberholster, a CSIR Chief Researcher, “these include the decreasing water quality and quantity; the perceived value of water; as well as the uncertainties presented by global climate change.”
The workshop was convened to enable the African partners to finalise their respective technological demonstrators comprising scientific and evidence-based technological solutions to address the stakeholder concerns in their respective pilot areas. Many partners also drafted policy briefs, which suggested governmental and societal interventions that are required to improve the value of water. It also included scientific evidence which needs to be considered by decision makers.
CSIR chief scientist, Dr Paul Oberholster explaining the work done at Loskopdam irrigation canals.Photos courtesy of Jessica Chamier
Led by CSIR social anthropologist, Karen Nortje, the descriptions of the enabling environment in each of the pilot areas in the partner countries were compiled. These considered the socio-economic and political backgrounds in which water management practices and interventions need to be implemented.
 All AU representatives present at the workshop. Photo taken during the final field trip at Motetema waste water treatment works. Photo courtesy of Dr Marius Claassen |
During the workshop, representatives of the partner countries took part in several field trips. Paul, who is also the project leader for South Africa, showcased several of the CSIR-driven solutions to real-life IWRM related problems faced by farmers, local communities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and mines.
“This African collaboration has strengthened relationships between the various institutions in South Africa and the partner countries. Working together has increased institutional capacity, led to various knowledge sharing platforms – including an integrative website – and will increase future research and innovation opportunities,” concludes Paul.
 CSIR chief scientist, Dr Paul Oberholster explaining the work done at Loskopdam irrigation canals.Photos courtesy of Jessica Chamier |
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CSIR chief scientist, Dr Paul Oberholster explaining the work done at Loskopdam irrigation canals.Photos courtesy of Jessica Chamier
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