IGAD WATER UNIT
The Foundation of Water Security
Groundwater is the backbone of water security in the IGAD region, where surface water is increasingly unreliable. In arid and semi-arid zones, groundwater provides the lifeline that millions of people depend on. However, climate change is accelerating its depletion, threatening the region’s water security.
- Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are disrupting natural recharge processes.
- The timing, intensity, and distribution of precipitation events are becoming more unpredictable.
- Evaporation losses and contamination of groundwater are on the rise due to flash flooding and infrastructure failure.
These climate stressors are threatening the sustainability of groundwater, accelerating its depletion, and placing additional stress on vegetation and soil systems.
Agriculture and Environment Division (AED): The Key to Climate Resilience
The Agriculture and Environment Division (AED) is a critical component of the IGAD Water Unit. Over 80% of all water-dependent activities in the region, including agriculture, livestock, human consumption, and industry, rely on groundwater.
- Agriculture is the backbone of household survival and food security, particularly in the IGAD borderlands.
- Groundwater sustains essential daily needs, from drinking water to livestock rearing and small-scale food production.
- It supports rural livelihoods, sustains pastoral communities, and serves as a critical buffer in times of drought.
IGAD’s Groundwater Response Framework
To address these threats, IGAD is implementing the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience (HoA-GW4R) initiative with support from the World Bank.
| Feasibility studies | Joint Regional Studies (JRS) | Groundwater Information System (GWIS) |
| Sharing groundwater data and visualizing usage patterns | Harmonizing groundwater recharge assessment techniques | Integrating hydrological information with land use and agriculture data |
These initiatives are grounded in a people-centered approach, targeting the most vulnerable populations and identifying solutions that can strengthen household and community resilience.
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Resilience
IGAD’s Groundwater Information System (GWIS) is a critical component of the initiative. It enables countries to share groundwater data, visualize usage patterns, and strengthen decision-making.
- GWIS provides timely insights into agricultural needs and ecosystem health.
- It integrates vegetation indices like NDVI and evapotranspiration maps.
- These tools are critical for both seasonal planning and long-term groundwater sustainability.
A Call for Knowledge, Dialogue, and Action
Climate change is making groundwater more essential and more vulnerable. Sustainable management requires much more than technology or infrastructure. It demands trust between nations, empowered institutions, and informed communities. Through GWIS, JRS, and regional coordination mechanisms, IGAD is working to build a resilient groundwater future. However, success depends on continued investment in capacity building, legal frameworks, and open information exchange. The voices of communities, scientists, and decision-makers must be brought together to ensure that groundwater is protected for generations to come.
A Transboundary Approach to Groundwater Management
IGAD is taking a transboundary approach to groundwater management, recognizing that water knows no borders. This approach reflects a simple truth: groundwater management requires trust, data transparency, and shared goals.
- Joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide joint governance of the Merti Aquifer
- Feasibility studies for three shared aquifers: Merti, Dawa, Shabelle, and Northern Basement Aquifer (NBA)
- Proposals for boreholes, water pans, and monitoring stations
These actions are laying the groundwork for broader regional cooperation, reflecting a commitment to protecting groundwater for generations to come.
The Future of Groundwater Management in IGAD
The IGAD Water Unit is working to build a resilient groundwater future. This requires continued investment in capacity building, legal frameworks, and open information exchange. The voices of communities, scientists, and decision-makers must be brought together to ensure that groundwater is protected for generations to come. Let us act collectively to secure the future of groundwater in the IGAD region, because resilience starts below the surface.
