IWRA 2020 Online Conference - Addressing Groundwater Resilience under Climate Change
THEME 5. Groundwater Education and Capacity Development
Author(s): Moshood N. Tijani
MOSHOOD N. TIJANI
GROUNDWATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE LEAD
African Ministers’ Council on Water
A sub committee of the African Union specialized technical committee
on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment.
Oral: PDFAbstract
INTRODUCTION
Concept of Capacity Building
The potential for human resources development in the water sector depends to a great extent on the educational and related resources in the country. Hence, SDG 6 targets are dependent on capacity development as outlined in SDG 6a: “Expand international cooperation and capacity building support to developing countries in water and sanitation related activities and programmes“.
An effective Capacity Building consists of three basic elements
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enabling environment with appropriate policy and legal frameworks
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institutional development, including community participation
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human resources development and managerial system strengthening Human Capacity Development component involve: Education and Training
Why GW Education in Africa?
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By 2025, 60% of the world population (>5 billion), will be living in cities and mostly in Africa; thus (ground)water knowledge and expertise are required.
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Groundwater is the largest freshwater reservoir in Africa with about 20 time more than the freshwater lakes and rivers; the need for proper managment.
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Growing population and increasing competing demands for groundwater for WASH, small holder agriculture and other industrial uses in Africa. Growing urbanization and the increasing risks of over exploitation and contamination through human activities and land use changes.
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Inadequate technical, financial, and institutional capabilities in groundwater project and related infrastructures development.
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Groundwater plays a huge role in adaptation; hence the need for innovative and proactive management approach in the face of climate change.
Why Groundwater?
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The volume of water stored underground in Africa is estimated to be 20 times more than the freshwater stored in rivers and lakes.
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At least 320 million people in Africa lack access to safe water supplies . Developing groundwater resources is the only realistic way of meeting this need
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GW is also a key resource for climate resilience , environmental protection and tackling poverty and improving socio economic conditions of the populace.
APAGroP’s principal aim is to leverage on science and reassert to influence groundwater policy and practice in Africa.