The world’s largest inland delta, the Cubango-Okavango river basin is recognised as a site of global ecological importance. But a growing population, poor infrastructural development and climate change are threatening the ecological integrity of this near-pristine Ramsar wetland and World Heritage Site. The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) provides technical advice to the…
Category: Blog
Tapping the potential of Southern Africa’s aquifers
Southern Africa has been slow to utilise its ample groundwater resources. Despite offering a more reliable alternative to increasingly erratic rainfall and over-exploited rivers and lakes, for example, groundwater accounts for only one per cent of the water used in the region’s irrigation systems. This represents a lost opportunity. A sustainable groundwater strategy that closely…
Proposed water infrastructure facility consolidates the work of CRIDF
A new water infrastructure facility to consolidate the gains of CRIDF after the UK aid-supported programme has ended was recently discussed at a meeting in Johannesburg. The facility will target climate resilient infrastructure projects and align its priorities with funds already operating within Southern Africa. The Water Resources Technical Committee (WRTC) Working Group meeting provided…
Coronavirus and beyond: the importance of WASH
With the exception of South Africa, where the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has passed 1,000, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has been less affected by the novel coronavirus that has paralysed the rest of the world. This does not tell us anything about the future progression of the disease in the region,…
Promoting investment opportunities in Southern Africa
CRIDF has produced a new series of ‘project pitches’ to help viable water projects capture funds and become fully operational. Targeting government and the private sector, these detailed briefings outline expected benefits, technical considerations and address relevant institutional, legal and environmental issues to guide investment decisions. The pitches are produced by CRIDF’s technical programme which…
CRIDF workshop supports Zambia’s approach to gender inclusion
At a recent workshop, CRIDF brought together diverse voices from across Zambia’s gender and water sectors to share experiences with tools and approaches that enhance women’s ability to access, control and make better use of the country’s water resources. Held in Lusaka on 4–5 March, the workshop was jointly coordinated with Zambia’s Ministry of Water…
Delivering inclusive, gender-sensitive water infrastructure
On International Women’s Day we reflect on CRIDF’s approach to gender equality and our efforts to address gender and social inclusion through water infrastructure projects. The approach is delivering results across Southern Africa – not only for women and girls but for entire communities and the wider water sector. The campaign theme for this year’s…