Building capacity for informed groundwater policy and practice in Eastern Africa

Description of impact

Research led by Dr Comte, School of Geosciences has highlighted the risks surrounding unsustainable use of groundwater resources in Africa and has directly informed governance and planning in Sub-Saharan Africa. This includes a UN development programme led by the Comoros government worth USD60,800,000 with estimated 450,000 direct beneficiaries leading and increased infrastructure for water monitoring. Comte’s research findings have triggered a review of groundwater data and model outputs relating to risk of depletion and saline intrusion by the Kenyan national water authority (WRA), which has helped shape training by the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education Training and Research in Africa (RCGW) and crucially, raised awareness regarding the risk surrounding salinisation of aquifers to both policymakers and public.

Project summary and aims

Comte’s research findings have drawn attention to key issues relating to the unsustainability of increasing water demand in Eastern Africa, such as poor monitoring of resources and extensive drilling and pumping rates [3-5]. By engaging with and training water management authorities, policy makers and communities, Comte’s research has underpinned new guidelines for water managers, supported decision-making and introduced best practice for local authorities and raised awareness of local communities to the risk of saline intrusion to water quality.

Impact status	Impact Completed (Open)
Impact date	2015 → 2020
Category of impact	Societal