Growing populations and climatic impacts are placing unprecedented pressure on water resources. This is true of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which comprises 16 Member States, whose population in 2018, was estimated to be at 345.2 million, a rise from 336.9 million as of 2017. Rivers play a pivotal role in the region's socio-economic development, as evidenced by its reliance on these waterways. Southern Africa boasts of 15 major transboundary river basins, shared among neighbouring countries, with 13 basins entirely within the region's borders. However, the equitable distribution of water resources remains a challenge, exacerbated by climatic factors influencing rainfall patterns and the geographical distribution of river basins. While these rivers can spark conflicts, they also serve as conduits for peace and cooperation. Therefore, prioritizing transboundary water cooperation is not merely about economic prosperity but also essential for nurturing stability and harmony throughout the region.
The Regional Forum on Seasonal Forecasts of the agro-hydro-climatic characteristics of the rainy season for the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of West Africa and the Sahel (PRESASS), 2024 edition was held from 22 to 26 April 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The members of the Steering Committee (SC) of the Global Water Partnership in West Africa (GWP-WA) met online on October 20, 2023 to analyze the progress of the network and provide guidance in line with their mandate to manage the regional network between two Assemblies of Partners (AP).
The launching of the new GEF II Drin Project marks a bold step forward in addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges of the extended Drin River Basin.
22 March is World Water Day, an annual UN Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater, and a yearly reminder to reflect on sound water governance. World Water Day 2025 focuses on glacier preservation, emphasising the need for global action to manage meltwater sustainably and reduce emissions, securing vital water resources for the future.
“I am glad that within this short period, I was able to harvest more than 50 kilograms of cassava from the plot allocated to me which I shared with my fellow farmer families and sold the rest in the village market. I especially thank GWP Sri Lanka/SLWP for being with us from the beginning and supporting us in finding planting materials and training us on water efficient home gardening”.
