Munyai. B, Pietersen. K Sauramba. J & Kanyerere. T
Southern Africa Development Community- Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI)
(a) Purpose or objectives and status of study or research hypothesis
To develop a roadmap to address identified groundwater management capacity needs.
(b) Key issue(s) or problem(s) addressed
Groundwater is normally not considered in water resource planning, one of the reasons being a lack of skills. There is therefore need for concerted efforts to address the skills challenges hindering sustainable utilisation of groundwater. In response the SADC-GMI commissioned a Groundwater Capacity needs Assessment for SADC region.
(c) Methodology or approach used
The investigation was implemented in three phases a) document review, b) liaison with key organisations and individuals, and c) analysis and reporting. Semi-structured interviews were held with key organisations and individuals, two regional workshops were held. Data gathered was collated and analysed using a formally structured Framework Approach.
(d) Results and conclusions derived from the project
Based on the identified capacity needs a groundwater capacity development roadmap was developed. The roadmap recognises that groundwater data collection and management should become a focal point for capacity development.
(e) Implications of the project relevant to selected conference theme, theory and/or practice
The roadmap informs the capacity needs interventions that are being implemented by the SADC-GMI with a focus on capacity building in the area of Groundwater Data collection and Management