africa groundwater network annual report 2015 · addis ababa: dr. callist tindimugaya has...
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AFRICA GROUNDWATER
NETWORK
Annual Report 2015
Prepared by Tamiru Abiye Network Manager
October 2015
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Table of Contents 1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................3
2. Network Management.....................................................................................................3
3. Network activities.............................................................................................................4
3.1 World Water Congress (WWC)...................................................................................43.2 Advocacy.........................................................................................................................83.3 Website and news letters............................................................................................83.3 Training Course and case study........................................................................12
3.3.1 Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)..............................................................................12
3.3.2 Case study.............................................................................................................143.4 Steering Committee meeting...............................................................................154 Cooperation with Partners............................................................................................17
5 Results.............................................................................................................................18
6 Network Assessment.....................................................................................................21
7 Summary.........................................................................................................................24
Acknowledgment.................................................................................................................25
Annex 1: SC Minutes..........................................................................................................26
Annex 2. Newsletter............................................................................................................31
Annex 3 Training schedule in Burkina Faso.................................................................33
Annex 4. List of training participants in Burkina Faso....................................................34
Annex 5: Training Course Evaluation.............................................................................35
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1. Introduction
Africa Groundwater Network (AGW-Net) is a specialized network that
focuses on the groundwater management in Africa on a knowledge based
approach. The network is currently managed by 10 Steering Committee
members, who have wide experience in academia and government institutions
in Africa.
Since the start of 2015, the network was aggressively embarked on the
network management activities, especially improving the website, increasing
membership, encouraging the Steering Committee members to discharge their
duties in their respective regions and development of training courses and case
studies. The steering committee members have also advocated about the
network activity in all available media such as conferences.
AGWNET has performed both continental and international level capacity
development and outreach activities in the year 2015.
2. Network Management
AGWNET has an online registration facility on its website: www.agw-net.org for
members and in the first half of the 2015, we have attracted 42 new members
with the total of 370 membership from 53 countries.
List of new members in 2015:
Name Email Phone Status Datecreated
1 samir [email protected] 21698908772 active 2024/09/15
2 AGBEDAM [email protected] 22891271498 active 2022/09/15
3 Ijioma [email protected] 34158090730 active 2014/09/15
4 BARRY [email protected] 22892966556 active 2003/09/15
5 Klingbeil [email protected] 009611978508 active 2001/09/15
6 camelle [email protected] 61681707 active 2028/08/15
7 Horace [email protected] 96153215 active 2028/08/15
8 SAURET [email protected] 22678376838 active 2027/08/15
9 Rubaba [email protected] 774124231 active 2026/08/15
10 Sandwidi [email protected] 22670261868 active 2025/08/15
11 Kebte [email protected] 4915213881686 active 2021/08/15
12 Mkhonta [email protected] 76633843 active 2018/08/15
13 Mkansi [email protected] 626730285 active 2004/08/15
14 Shaduka [email protected] 811279162 active 2027/07/15
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15 Wondmagegn [email protected] 913194497 active 2013/07/15
16 Liban [email protected] 0025377626682 active 2011/07/15
17 JamaGhedi [email protected] 252-615040265 active 2010/07/15
18 Maceba [email protected] 768527232 active 2024/06/15
19 Marinelli [email protected] 970-377-2981 active 2015/06/15
20 Nyirenda [email protected] 2.61E+11 active 1930/05/15
21 Githae [email protected] 711197823 active 2028/05/15
22 Osman [email protected] 233262334993 active 2021/05/15
23 LawrenceAkei [email protected] 237677780142 active 2016/05/15
24 Okey [email protected] 8064937929 active 2016/05/15
25 McGill [email protected] 2.66E+11 active 2015/05/15
26 AbdelMalik [email protected] 912724749 active 2014/05/15
27 Owoeye [email protected] 8037283380 active 2005/05/15
28 Ogwenya [email protected] 720536300 active 2027/04/15
29 Mbwambo [email protected] 729959681 active 2016/04/15
30 Gagoomang [email protected] 26775517930 active 1931/03/15
31 Araya [email protected] 251914706504 active 2028/03/15
32 Zulu [email protected] 798937791 active 2025/03/15
33 Masiyandima [email protected] 27761610000 active 2019/03/15
34 Nkosi [email protected] 763394893 active 2017/03/15
35 Khalid [email protected] 2.50E+11 active 2008/03/15
36 Ahmed [email protected] 2.50E+11 active 2008/03/15
37 macharia [email protected] 723599887 active 2003/03/15
38 Kramers [email protected] 27795353073 active 2026/02/15
39 Asmath [email protected] 9.18E+11 active 2019/02/15
40 Mulu [email protected] 911398789 active 2013/02/15
41 Odipe [email protected] 8138032921 active 2008/02/15
42 SÌverin [email protected] 994458565 active 2008/01/15
3. Network activities
3.1 World Water Congress (WWC) One of our International activity was successfully implemented in May
2015, in Scotland. During the World Water Congress (WWC), which was held in
Edinburgh, between 25 and 29 May 2015, the new RBO groundwater training
manual (Fig. 1) was officially launched. The manual production was sponsored
by CAPNET/BGR/IWMI. Prominent AGWNET members were participated in
writing and evaluation of the manual. Dr. Richard Owen and Dr. Karen Villholth
represented AGWNET during the WWC event and managed to achieve the
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objectives of the network in terms of launching the manual as well as the
presentation of the role of groundwater in Africa at the special session SS7 on
‘Transboundary Groundwater Resources of Africa: the engine to stimulate
human develop’. Richard was a moderator, while Karen was member of the
panel. The session was a mock parliamentary discussion with two teams set up
against each other to discuss the following two motions:
1. The Eureka moment, for groundwater as a stimulus for development, has not yet arrived in Africa
2. Agencies across Africa are missing the point on sound groundwater governance
After each round of presentations from the panellist, discussions were
conducted (See Figures 2 and 3). The network received a very good feedback
and debate as part of this session. Many of the manuals were disseminated,
both in hard copy format and on USB sticks, which IWMI provided. We would
like to recognize the support provided by BGR for Drs. Richard Owen and by
IWMI for Karen Villholth.
There were also discussions conducted with various partners on capacity
development activities on groundwater in Africa, among which was IGRAC who
has interest to support the AGWNET’s urban groundwater management project
in Lusaka, Zambia.
WWC provided an important platform for discussion and the visibility of
AGWNET was felt by the participants.
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Figure 1. The cover page of the RBO Groundwater manual launched during the World
Water Congress, 2015, Scotland (English and French Versions)
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Electronic version of the English and French manuals are available at the
AGWNET and CAPNET websites. Print copies have also been printed by BGR-
Germany and are available for users through AGWNET. For English version
please contact Dr. Karen Villholth and for the French version Dr. Moustapha
Diene.
Figure 2. Presentation by Dr. Karen Villholth and awardees at WWC, 2015, Scotland
Figure 3. AGWNET display desk (Many thanks to Karen and Richard)
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The network is in contact with ANBO and AMCOW in order to widely
disseminate the manual. There is an agreement by AMCOW to put the
electronic version of the manual on its website. BGR is facilitating the
coordination of the manual distribution.
3.2 Advocacy Addis Ababa: Dr. Callist Tindimugaya has successfully advertised the role
of AGWNET to the participants of the training course on IWRM and Drought
management, which was conducted by Nile-IWRM net in Addis Ababa from 15
to 19 June, 2015. AGWNET has received a lot of membership request since
then.
Rome: In Sept. 2015, some of the AGWNET SC members have
participated in the 41st IAH conference in Rome where a lot of Advocacy work
was done. Most international participants at the conference were eager to learn
about the activities of AGWNET and appreciated the voluntary participation of
members from 53 countries.
Nairobi: Prof. Abiye has also participated at the Global Environmental
Outlook (GEO6) preparation in Nairobi where AGWNET flyers were distributed
to the participants.
3.3 Website and news letters
Based on the comments obtained from AGWNET members, the network
communication has increased a lot as a result of complementary materials
posted on the website (Figure 4). We distributed several messages from sister
networks and international organizations to our members, we were successful
in producing at least 2 newsletters in 2015 where announcement on different
activities were made. The network has also used the website to mobilize the
members to participate in the call for proposal with an incentive to get
sponsorship to participate at International conferences.
AGW-Net has also used the web site to advertise scholarships,
employment opportunities, project activities, news, literature and training
courses at different levels. The development of a web page where members
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can upload abstracts or short descriptions of their current work is also being
considered for future. In order to increase our visibility, new flyer was printed
and circulated both in a print and electronic format.
The AGWNET news letter was accessed worldwide (Figure 5) in the following
link:
http://agwnet.createsend.com/reports/wv/r/C448E2B2313E5E4B2540EF23F30
FEDED
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Figure 4. Screenshot of the AGWNET website
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Figure 5. The AGWNET newsletter accessibility worldwide (Accessed on 29 Oct.
2015). Red spot in Africa represent the website host country, Zimbabwe.
The newsletter was accessed by groundwater professionals from South
America, North America, Africa, Europe, Asia (Pakistan) and Australia. As per
the report by the open AGWNET Website (link given above) the newsletter was
clicked by 107 guests and opened by 615 guests world wide by 29 Oct 2015,
with overall visibility for 722 guests (Figure 5). According to the monitoring result
(Figure 3) most of guests who showed interest in the network activity are from
Africa and Europe
To its wider community, AGWNET uses an online materials and emails
to disseminate developments in Africa. However, the network has also a
reputation in preparing and updating flyers for dissemination during continental
and international conferences. The following flyer was used for distribution
during the World Water Congress in Scotland. The flyer was also uploaded on
the AGWNT’s website for wider distribution to the members.
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3.3 Training Course and case study
3.3.1 Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
The training course was held between 24 and 28 August 2015 in Ouagadougou
(Burkina Faso). The program was sponsored by CAPNET, IAH/BGN, CRU-BN and
implemented by AGWNET. It was delivered in French and 18 participants from 6 West
African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, and Togo) have
attended the training, among them 11 of them were female (See activity pictures in
Figure 6).
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Figure 6. Activities in the training course held in Ouagadougou,BurkinaFaso
Motivation for the training
After the 2013 courses held in Bamako (September 23-27, 2013) and in Porto Novo
(December 9-13, 2013), Niger River Basin water experts have expressed the need to
host the same course in 2013, in order to reach more audience among water
professionals working at a River basin scale. Unfortunately, it was not possible due to
financial constraints. Similar course was proposed for 2015, to implement a training
course Ouagadougou. The training course was facilitated by Moustapha Diene, W.
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Jean Pierre Sanndwidi and Elie Serge Gaëtan Sauret, while hosted and coordinated by
Zacaria Touré Nouradine and Boubou Oumar. The training course targeted mainly
water professionals with a focus on Niger River basin water users, who are members of
CRU-BN. At the same time the organizers attracted other water sector professionals
working in the national and private sectors who were interested in river basin issues.
The training participants were very excited about the training content and experience
sharing and suggested to organize another course to further their knowledge and allow
them to pass across the training to other users (see Annex 5 for details). Totally the
training attracted 18 water professionals (11 Female and 7 Male), see Figure 7.
Figure 7. Showing participant proportion (61% Female (11) and 39% Male (7)).
3.3.2 Case study
Groundwater resources in some parts of Lusaka – Case study supported by IGRAC, conducted by Prof. DCW Nkhuwa
Human’s survival and well-being are very dependent upon their access to water
resources in order to (i) meet their basic socio-biological needs, and (ii) fuel their
economic development. In Zambia, groundwater has increasingly become the most
important source of water supply for many of its urban, peri-urban and rural areas,
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constituting, in some cases, 100% of the demand. Most of the groundwater supplies
are from aquifers that underlie areas of settlement.
Many such areas, especially in the urban centres, have experienced very rapid
growth of population. Exacerbated by inadequately planned urban and peri-urban
expansions, and heightened human activities, most urban centres of the country are
progressively threatened with great challenges to the continued provision of adequate
and safe potable water to its citizens.
In Lusaka, the country’s capital city, for instance, more than half of the city’s
population, currently estimated at three million, still lack adequate water supplies.
Sanitation wise, about 80% of the population use on-site sanitation (pit latrines and
septic tanks) to dispose of their excreta. Contamination of groundwater arising from
such practices, especially in a karstified terrain may not be too difficult to envisage.
This is a comparative case study done in two areas (high- and low-density
settlements serviced by pit latrines and septic tanks, respectively) of Lusaka to assess
the impacts they may both have had, if at all, on the quality of groundwater in their
respective underlying aquifers.
3.4 Steering Committee meeting The network manager has hosted the annual Steering Committee meeting in
Johannesburg on 22 and 23 June 2015. Out of 10 SC members (Figure 8), six
of them have attended the meeting besides one invited guest from the
membership. These were:
Prof. Tamiru Abiye, Manager (South Africa)
Dr. Richard Owen, member (Zimbabwe)
Prof. Daniel Nkhuwa, member (Zambia)
Eng. Mohamed Elrawady, Member (Egypt)
Dr. Martin Eduvie, member (Nigeria)
Dr. Geophrey Anornu, member (Ghana)
Mr Khuliso Masindi (South Africa, Invited)
The reason for the absence of 4 members (Karen Villholth, Moustapha Diene,
Callist Tindimugaya and Tenalem Ayenew) was as a result of another
international commitments.
(See Annex. 1 for the SC minutes)
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Figure 8. AGWNET SC members in attendance (from left to right: Dr. Richard Owen,
Dr.Geophrey Anornu, Prof. Tamiru Abiye, Eng. Mohamed Elrawady, Prof. Daniel Nkhuwa and Dr. Martin Eduvie)
This figure demonstrates in house activity
Key outcomes were:
• The acknowledgment on the revision and completion of a training manual
entitled “Integration of Groundwater management into the Transboundary
basin organizations in Africa. The manual is available both in English and
French
• The training course conducted by Dr. Moustapha Diene in Dakar
(August, 2015)
• Election of a new network Manager, Dr. Moustapha Diene, who will take
over the task from Prof. Tamiru Abiye on 01 Jan 2016. The SC agreed
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also that the network management will also follow a regional
representation. The next manager will come from East or North Africa.
• Proposal presentation for the 2016 activities and commitment by the SC
members.
4 Cooperation with Partners
BGR: Since AGW-Net started its activity in 2008, BGR has been a reliable
partner since then. In 2012 we conducted a need assessment for Africa River
Basin Organization which identified a training gap in groundwater management
and hence, in 2013 we conducted the first RBO level groundwater training
course for ORASECOM (Orange-Senqu River Commission). In 2014 the
network has developed the RBO groundwater training manual with a leading
role of BGR. In 2015 AGWNET has successfully launched the RBO
groundwater training manual where BGR supported a flight ticket to Dr. Richard
Owen to participate in the World Water Congress. BGR has also covered the
printing cost for English and French version of the manual in addition to
shipment. It is our hope that BGR and AGWNET will continue to implement
more trainings in the future and disseminate the training manual for a wider
users.
IWMI: Our intimate collaboration started in 2013, which resulted in jointly
implementing the RBO groundwater training course for ORASECOM and in
2014 we developed the RBO groundwater training manual with a professional
and financial contribution from IWMI. In 2015 the collaboration between IWMI
and AGWNWET was effective through planning, coordination and
implementation of the preparation of the RBO training manual. It is our hope to
continue working together in 2016.
IAH: In 2013 IAH was very helpful in supporting financially two training
courses in West Africa (Mali and Benin). The participation of AGWNET during
the 41st IAH annual conference in Marrakech, Morocco (15-19 Sept, 2014) was
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facilitated by IAH. In 2013 and 2015 collaboration between AGWNET and
IAH/BGN resulted in holding of joint training courses in groundwater
management. This collaboration will continue in 2016 so that members of AGW-
Net can benefit from the services of IAH/BGN such as the books scheme and
also to enable 2 courses to be jointly held.
UCL: Four AGWNET members got a bursary to attend the 41st International
Conference organized by the International Association of Hydrogeologist in
Marrakech, Morocco (15-19, Sept 2014). Members were selected based on
their contribution to the long-term groundwater level data contributed to the joint
initiative project.
IGRAC: has supported an urban groundwater case study in Lusaka in
2015 and will be strengthened to conduct more case studies in 2016.
CAPNET will continue with more joint activities in groundwater related
trainings and case studies in Africa. CAPNET has to utilize a wealth of
groundwater knowledge of AGWNET members in Africa in order to achieve a
sustainable development in Africa through groundwater use.
The AGWNER flyer which was released in 2015 (Figure 9) is important in
strengthening and disseminating the visions of CAPNET and AGWNET for
water professionals.
5 Results
The key results achieved in 2015 are:
a) Increased Membership: with 42 new members, the total membership
stands at 370 (11.4% increase in 2015).
b) Conducting SC meeting in Johannesburg: after some logistic hassle such
as visa to RSA and flight arrangement, the network has managed to hold
its SC meeting.
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c) Launching of the RBO training manual in Scotland during the World
Water Congress (WWC)
d) Groundwater management training course in Burkina Faso in August
2015
Tables 1 contain countries included in the capacity development follow ups.
Table 1: Countries reached through the capacity development activities Countries Number Percentage Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria
18 100
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Figure 9. The 2015 AGWNET flyer (Developed by Karen Villholth)
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6 Network Assessment AGWNET has successfully undertook a self-assessment survey in April
2015. Two SC members (Karen and Callist) did not respond to the assessment
request. The response from 8 members has been compiled. The questions
were developed based on the CAPNet-MELP guideline with a score distribution
of:
1= Definitely
2= Maybe/Not sure, and
3= Definitely not
The score falls as follows:
a) May be 7.7/14 b) Definitely 2.9/7 c) Definitely not 3/21 The result indicates that the members generally agree somehow in
discharging some of our duties with severe financial constraints cognisant to the
fact that we are operating at the continental level. There is a general agreement
among the members to strengthen the network activities even though there are
challenges across Africa to obtain matching funds and also to get the highly
needed support from the CAPNet.
The SWOT results were thoroughly discussed during the SC meeting in
Johannesburg (22-23 June 2015) with a particular reference to strengthen the
weaknesses and suggest possible solutions (way-forward).
Strengths
• The size of the network with large membership, qualified and
experienced members and highly dedicated Manager/SC members
• The network has a (large) continent-wide membership (370 members)
• The Steering Committee consists of senior and respected individuals in
the African hydrogeological community
• There is an attractive and well-laid out website with capacity to generate
and send newsletters to our membership
• The network has good links with IAH, BGR, BGS and RWSN
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• Network has minimal fixed costs and can survive in periods of zero
funding, like the present
• Network has a continental spread, with a rich pool of qualified experts,
and a committed membership championing the same cause
• AGW-Net is made up of Africa’s groundwater/water resources,
environmental and many other specialists
• The main strength of the Network is the fact that it has groundwater
experts from all the geographical sub-regions of Africa, as well as most
of the lingual divisions. Also, the fact that it is sponsored by Cap-Net
gives it more credibility and wider acceptance in the whole continent.
Weaknesses
• Lack of adequate funding, activities in work plans are not executed,
sometimes coordination is not very effective
• The network has no financial resources of its own
• Network has no financial strategic plan to build up its financial viability, it
is a group of volunteers
• The continent wide nature of the network means that many members
work in isolation and it is costly to meet up
• Lack of steady funding support for network to build up its own strength
• Weak recognition/awareness by market off its capacity, not able to
effectively execute its programmes because of inadequate financial
support
• Lack of funding, loose coordination
• Financial instability, funding is not diversified
• The most important weakness is the lack of consistent financial
resources, a problem that has been evident in the last two years.
Opportunities § AGW-Net could be used by Africa countries for their groundwater master
plans, support the private sector and good investment
§ AGW-Net is unique in Cap-Net in its focus on groundwater
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§ AGW-Net can offer support to other networks for groundwater
management
§ Network can offer services to AMCOW and AGWC in terms of
groundwater services in Africa
§ Rise in profile/importance of groundwater, more attention towards
groundwater as a climate change adaptation measure
§ AGW-Net can be considered the official PRO of African groundwater
issues
§ The need expressed for capacity building is huge, throughout the
continent
§ The Steering Committee Members can allocate time to participate in
many of the calls and tenders offered by many donors so as to achieve
its goals.
Threats
• Lack of funding could reduce interest, coordination could be a
problem, could also reduce visibility if activities are not carried out
regularly
• Cap-Net seems unable to provide even basic financial support.
Without financial support, the network will certainly collapse entirely
• Limited/uncertain policies/stimuli from government to boost Network’s
activities, emergency of more institutions with similar mandate
• Lack of funding could reduce interest, coordination could be a problem
• Other Networks and organizations involved in groundwater activities
• Funding
• Lack of regular activities that make the network visible
• Again, the main threat is the lack of funding, the situation has been
critical recently, all the core activities have not taken place.
Way forward Having critically examined all the above strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats, the meeting concluded that the only way
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forward is to have a very strong partnership with organizations that
have funding provision for AGW-Net activities. This money will be
used as counterpart funding with Cap-Net.
Secondly, AGW-Net is expected to develop proposals that are useful
for country- demand-driven activities/programmes in order to win
willingness and support from the concerned countries. Conditions to
be considered include:
a) Identifying groundwater components of country needs
b) Development of useful AGW-Net proposals that are demand
driven
c) Use AGW-Net training manuals as a tools for network
patronage
d) Engage in consultancy projects as a network.
7 Summary AGWNEt has shown a growth in membership in the last few years. In 2015, the
network has attracted 42 new members with the total of 370 membership from
53 countries which represents 11.4% increase in one year. AGWNET
believes that Africa can achieve its endemic water shortage problem through a
sustainable use of groundwater, where in reality, large proportion of
groundwater is obtained to meet the mining, agricultural and domestic needs.
We are aware that Africa has a huge groundwater reserve with the amount that
is 100 times bigger than surface water. However, lack of finance to conduct
capacity development activities and increase the awareness at all levels has
been dwindling in the past 8 years of the network existence that has
tremendously affected our capacity development activities.
AGWNET is also pleased in increasing the number of female participants to the
training courses from 25% in 2013 to 61 % in 2015.
The international visibility of the network is highly encouraging where
newsletters posted on the AGWNET website have been visited by more than
722 people.
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Acknowledgment AGW-NETwould liketothanksallpartnersand individualswhoassisted inkindandfinancialsupporttoimplementitsactivitiesinAfrica.
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Annex 1: SC Minutes MINUTES OF THE 7TH MEETING OF THE AFRICA GROUNDWATER NETWORK
(AGW-NET) HELD AT THE SCHOOL OF GEOSCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSTRAND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ON THE 22ND AND 23RD JUNE,
2015 7.1 MEMBERSHIP
1. Prof. Tamiru Abiye Network Manager/Chairman RSA 2. Eng. Mohamed Elrawady Steering Committee Member Egypt 3. Dr. Richard Owen Steering Committee/Website Zimbabwe 4. Dr. Geophrey Anornu Steering Committee Member Ghana 5. Prof. Daniel C.W. Nkhuwa Steering Committee Member Zambia 6. Dr. Martin O. Eduvie Steering Committee/Secretary Nigeria 7. Mr. Khuliso Masindi Member (invited) RSA
7.2 APOLOGIES 1. Dr. Moustapha Diene Steering Committee Member Senegal 2. Prof. Tenalem Ayenew Steering Committee Member Ethiopia 3. Dr. Callist Timdimugaya Steering Committee Member Uganda 4. Dr. Karen Villholth Steering Committee Member RSA
7.3 OPENING The meeting started at 9.20 am with a formal opening ceremony. The Head of the School of Geosciences of the University of the Witwatersrand Prof. Roger Gibson welcomed the Steering Committee members of the Africa Groundwater Network to Johannesburg and specifically to the University. He stressed the need for the network (AGW-net) to realize its objectives for better understanding and cooperation especially within the African region and the advancement of the study of groundwater in general for mankind. He then wished the members a very successful meeting and safe journey back at the end of deliberations. 7.4 CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS The Chairman, Prof. Tamiru Abiye, welcomed all to the meeting and thanked members for their cooperation and sacrifice over the years to move the network forward. Thereafter, he presented the agenda of the meeting as follows:
1. Welcome by the Manager, Attendance/Apologies and adoption of the agenda. 2. Minutes of the 2013 (5th SC Meeting) and 2014 ad hoc (6th SC) meeting in Morocco,
correction and adoption of the minutes. 3. Network activities in 2014 and 2015 4. Discussion on the SWOT analysis 5. Collaboration with potential partners (Cap-Net, IWSD, IWMI, IAH/BGN, others 6. Additional activities, funding sources for 2016 7. Manager’s election 8. AOB (Cap-Net reporting documents, groundwater in News).
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The Agenda was adopted as presented by members of the Steering Committee 7.5 Matter arising from the 5th SC meeting held in Burundi The following matters were reported.
I. Course approval by Cap-Net. Some of the approved courses for 2013 were carried out including the one held in Johannesburg. The activities not executed in 2013 were suppose be carried over to 2014. Unfortunately not much was achieved due to lack of funding in 2014.
II. Website The chairman reported that the quality of the website has improved significantly. It was also agreed that the present arrangement of using cost recovery of 7% from training activity should be sustained for the management of the website.
III. Electronic voting for SC members The use of electronic voting was used to elect the present SC members and the method was appreciated by members. It was resolved that subsequent elections should also be done through the electronic voting technique.
IV. Improvement of AGW-Net flyers The AGW-Net flyers have been redesigned with some improvement. This will be continuously be used for advocacy and advertisement at conferences, meetings, workshops etc.
V. Membership The Chairman reported that our membership has been increasing from year to year.
VI. IGRAC/Global Africa Monitoring Group Mohammed was requested to follow up on the Africa Monitoring Group and to identify the role of AGW-Net for the 2016 possible network monitoring.
VII. Knowledge Management It was observed that Dr. Muna has been the focal Person on issues of Knowledge Management of the network. However, since her exit from the SC, not much has been heard from her. The Website Manager was commended for his efforts in the compilation of the research work of Members. He was however advised to consider the issues of copyright on already published materials. It was generally agreed that links can be adopted in the AGW-net website to avoid copyright matters.
7.6 Matters arising from the 6th meeting held in Morocco
a) Manual Development The Chairman reported that the manual on Integration of Groundwater Management into Transboundary Basin Organization in Africa (in English and French) has been completed and now available at AGW-NET and Cap-Net websites.
b) Africa Groundwater Publications The meeting noted the publications on African groundwater issues and observed that some of the facts contained in the said publications are not very correct. However, it noted that, though not accurate, they provided material(s), which can be improved upon.
c) Case Studies The meeting noted the issues of pollution in urban groundwater and the need to study urban groundwater management in some of these urban areas of Africa. Members were called upon to submit proposals for such studies that could form some of the AGW-net activities for 2016.
7.7 Network activities in 2014 and 2015 1. Training/Training Manual
In 2014, activities in the work plans could not be executed as planned due to lack of funding from Cap-Net. However, the following activities were done: ü The revision and completion of the Integrated River Basin Manual was
completed.
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ü The training course proposed by Dr. Moustapha in Dakar (1st – 5th December, 2014) was carried out without Cap-Net funding. Due to the closing of Cap-net financial accounts, the participants were mobilized from Universities, Water establishments and the private sector in Senegal.
2. Work plan for 2015 Members were encouraged to carry out the proposed 2015 activities as contained in the work plan circulated earlier in the year. A course has been set for Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 24th to 28th August 2015.
3. Membership In 2015 a total of 24 new members were registered. The total membership of AGW-Net is now 361 members in 53 countries.
7/8 SWOT Analysis
The meeting had an extensive discussion on the SWOT analysis with regard to how we the AGW-Net could use the identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to its advantage in moving the Network forward. The following summarises the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats identified from contributions obtained from the SC members earlier in the year (or was it last year?): Strengths
The size of the network with large membership, qualified and experienced members and highly dedicated Manager/SC members
The network has a (large) continent-wide membership (361 members) The Steering Committee consists of senior and respected individuals in the
African hydrogeological community There is an attractive and well-laid out website with capacity to generate
and send newsletters to our membership The network has good links with IAH, BGR, BGS and RWSN Network has minimal fixed costs and can survive in periods of zero funding,
like the present Network has a continental spread, with a rich pool of qualified experts, and
a committed membership championing the same cause AGW-Net is made up of Africa’s groundwater/water resources,
environmental and many other specialists The main strength of the Network is the fact that it has groundwater experts
from all the geographical sub-regions of Africa, as well as most of the lingual divisions. Also, the fact that it is sponsored by Cap-Net gives it more credibility and wider acceptance in the whole continent.
Weaknesses
• Lack of adequate funding, activities in work plans are not executed, sometimes coordination is not very effective
• The network has no financial resources of its own • Network has no financial strategic plan to build up its financial viability, it is
a group of volunteers • The continent wide nature of the network means that many members work
in isolation and it is costly to meet up • Lack of steady funding support for network to build up its own strength • Weak recognition/awareness by market off its capacity, not able to
effectively execute its programmes because of inadequate financial support • Lack of funding, loose coordination • Financial instability, funding is not diversified • The most important weakness is the lack of consistent financial resources,
a problem that has been evident in the last two years.
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Opportunities § AGW-Net could be used by Africa countries for their groundwater master
plans, support the private sector and good investment § AGW-Net is unique in Cap-Net in its focus on groundwater § AGW-Net can offer support to other networks for groundwater management § Network can offer services to AMCOW and AGWC in terms of groundwater
services in Africa § Rise in profile/importance of groundwater, more attention towards
groundwater as a climate change adaptation measure § AGW-Net can be considered the official PRO of African groundwater issues § The need expressed for capacity building is huge, throughout the continent § The Steering Committee Members can allocate time to participate in many
of the calls and tenders offered by many donors so as to achieve its goals.
Threats v Lack of funding could reduce interest, coordination could be a problem,
could also reduce visibility if activities are not carried out regularly v Cap-Net seems unable to provide even basic financial support. Without
financial support, the network will certainly collapse entirely v Limited/uncertain policies/stimuli from government to boost Network’s
activities, emergency of more institutions with similar mandate v Lack of funding could reduce interest, coordination could be a problem v Other Networks and organizations involved in groundwater activities v Funding v Lack of regular activities that make the network visible v Again, the main threat is the lack of funding, the situation has been critical
recently, all the core activities have not taken place. Way forward
Having critically examined all the above strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the meeting concluded that the only way forward is to have a very strong partnership with organizations that have funding provision for AGW-Net activities. This money will be used as counterpart funding with Cap-Net. Secondly, AGW-Net is expected to develop proposals that are useful for country- demand-driven activities/programmes in order to win willingness and support from the concerned countries. Conditions to be considered include:
e) Identifying groundwater components of country needs f) Development of useful AGW-Net proposals that are demand driven g) Use AGW-Net training manuals as a tools for network patronage h) Engage in consultancy projects
7.9 Collaboration with Potential Partners
Our regular partners should be followed up for support. These include the following: Cap-Net IWRM WATER-Net BGR GWMATE IGRAC IAH/BGN RWSN (Martin) UNESCO (Callist) UNECA IWMI AMCOW/ANBO NILE IWRM EU
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The status of these partnerships was discussed, and it was stressed that Members of SC should follow-up contact for effective relationships.
7.10 Additional activities
The following trainings were suggested for execution subject to availability of funding: 1. IWRM in Cote d’ Ivore (training) 2. Cost effective Drilling in Nigeria (training) 3. Enhanced Monitoring and Evaluation of Groundwater in Egypt (training) 4. Dr. Richard to collate case studies on Urban groundwater Management. 5. Groundwater and Irrigation case study (Karen)
7.11 Funding Sources for 2015 and 2016
These include the following: ü 7% from training activities for the Management of the AGW-Net website ü MELP report ü Counterpart funding from donors and ü Cap-Net core support and activities sponsorship
7.12 Newsletter Newsletters will be produced as usual but materials need to be submitted to the website Manager. 7.13 Manager Election/SC Members
Dr. Moustapha Diene from Senegal was elected as the new AGW-Net Manager. Also elected as SC members is Engr. Mohammed Elrawady from Egypt representing North Africa and Prof. Tamiru Abiye as Ex-Official Member. Their tenure starts in January 2016.
7.14 AOB Cap-Net Reporting Format
The Chairman reported that Cap-Net has requested all networks to adhere to the new reporting formats in the presentation of their report and MELP.
7.15 Closing
The meeting came to a close after expressing SC members’ sincere appreciation and gratitude for the excellent hosting by the Chairman and the University of Wits.
Prof. Tamiru Abiye Dr. Martin. O. Eduvie AGW-Net Manager/Chairman SC Member/ Secretary
Annex 2. Newsletter You're receiving this newsletter because you are a member of AGW-Net.
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May 2015
Meeting Place for the African Groundwater Community Lieu de rencontre pour la communauté africaine qui s’active dans le secteur des eaux souterraines Bienvenue - Mwauya - Welcome
AGW-Net News / Les Nouvelles de AGW-Net AGW-Net has had a difficult financial year in 2014. Our usual annual operational budget from Cap-Net was not received this year and we had to operate on a zero budget. AGW-Net a connu en 2014 une année financière difficile. En effet notre budget opérationnel annuel habituel en provenance de Cap-Net n'a pas été reçu cette année et nous avons dû fonctionner sans budget. As a result, activities were severely curtailed and the annual steering committee meeting had to be cancelled. However, 4 of our present steering committee were at the 2014 IAH Annual Congress in September in Marrakech, Morocco, and an informal steering committee meeting was held there on 16th September. 4 invited guests participated as shown. The minutes of the meeting can be found here. En conséquence, nos activités ont été sévèrement restreintes et la réunion annuelle du Comité de Pilotage (CP) a dû être annulée. Cependant, 4 membres de notre comité de pilotage étaient présents au Congrès annuel de l'AIH 2014 en septembre à Marrakech, au Maroc; à cette occasion une réunion informelle du comité de pilotage a eu lieu le 16 Septembre. 4 personnes ressources ont été invitées à y participer. Le compte rendu de cette réunion peut être trouvé ici. Richard Owen, Zimbabwe (SC) Moustapha Diene. Senegal (SC) Karen Villholth, South Africa (SC) Callist Tindimugaya, Uganda (SC) Yvan Altchenko, IWMI, South Africa Daina Mudimbu, University Zimbabwe Laurra Olmsted, UniWater Education Limited, Canada Liz Oughton, Newcastle Univ., UK
Urban Groundwater in Africa / Les Nappes Urbaines en Afrique The SC meeting in Morocco agreed that the issue of urban groundwater in Africa should take centre stage in the network focus because there are so many burning issues associated with urban groundwater in Africa. At the heart of most issues lies the fact that urban groundwater development, abstraction, groundwater levels, quality etc. are not monitored at all. Il ressorti de la réunion du CP au Maroc que la question des eaux souterraines en milieu urbain en Afrique devrait prendre une place centrale dans les activités du réseau car il ya beaucoup de questions brûlantes liées aux eaux souterraines en milieu urbain en Afrique. Au cœur de la plupart des problèmes se trouve le fait que leur développement en milieu urbain, leurs prélèvements, leurs niveaux et qualité, etc. ne sont pas du tout contrôlés. Many cities face severe groundwater challenges. In Harare, groundwater is rapidly running out in those areas that are not served by municipal water; in the township areas of Lusaka, groundwater in the karst aquifer is not well protected from cholera, and each year many lives are lost to the deadly disease. In coastal cities such as Dar es Salaam and Beira, population pressure and lack of water borne sewage, combine to pollute the shallow coastal aquifers. Windhoek increasingly relies on groundwater to service its
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needs, yet climate change threatens aquifer recharge. Beaucoup de villes sont confrontées à des défis majeurs dans la gestion des eaux souterraines. A Harare, il ya des pénuries d'eau souterraine dans les zones non desservies par le réseau public; dans les bidonvilles de Lusaka, la nappe d'eau souterraine de l'aquifère karstique n'est pas bien protégée, et chaque année, à cause du choléra, de nombreuses vies sont perdues. Dans les villes côtières, telles que Dar es Salam, Dakar et Beira, la pression démographique et le manque d'assainissement collectif, ensemble contribuent à polluer les nappes côtières peu profondes. Windhoek dépend de plus en plus des eaux souterraines pour satisfaire ses besoins en eau, mais le changement climatique constitue une menace à la recharge des aquifères. The image shows a borehole in Harare supplying water to a 'bulk water seller'. Catchment officials require that abstraction use of this water is metered, but in this case, the seller has simply bypassed the water meter. Lack of finances and corruption make such abuses difficult to stamp out. L'image montre un «vendeur d'eau en détail» s'approvisionner par un forage à Harare. Les responsables de bassins versants exigent que les prélèvements soient mesurés au volume, mais dans ce cas, le vendeur a simplement contourné le compteur d'eau. Le manque de finances et la corruption font que de tels abus soient difficiles à éradiquer. Members are encouraged to identify urban groundwater challenges in their home areas in Africa, and to submit summaries / abstracts of these problems to the network web-site manager: [email protected] Nos membres sont encouragés à identifier les défis en eaux souterraines en milieu urbain dans leurs régions d'origine en Afrique, et à soumettre des résumés de ces problèmes au gestionnaire du site web du réseau : [email protected]
African Groundwater Literature. / Publications sur les Eaux Souterraines en Afrique The AGW-Net.org website has added a new page: African Groundwater Literature. Le site AGW-Net.org a ajouté une nouvelle page: Publications sur les eaux souterraines en Afrique. We kick off this page with the complete version in English and French of our new training manual: The Integration of Groundwater Management into Transboundary Basin Organizations in Africa. Nous débutons cette page avec la version complète en anglais et en français de notre nouveau manuel de formation: L'intégration de la gestion des eaux souterraines dans les Organismes de Bassins Transfrontaliers en Afrique. We will be uploading new technical literature from time to time and invite members to submit URLs or pdfs of your own publications that are of suitable quality and interest. Nous allons télécharger de temps en temps, les nouveautés de la littérature technique, et d'inviter les membres à soumettre des liens ou des fichiers PDF de leurs propres publications qui sont de qualité et qui peuvent intéresser la communauté. The new Literature page can be accessed by clicking on this link. La nouvelle page de littérature peut accessible en cliquant sur ce lien.
Groundwater Management within IWRM in River Basin context. Gestion des Ressources en Eau Souterraine dans le cadre de la GIRE, dans un contexte de Bassin Versant. Dates: August 24-28, 2015 24-28 août 2015 Venue: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Lieu : Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) Organizers: CRU-BN: Coordination Régionale des Usagers des ressources naturelles du Bassin du Niger with AGW-Net Organisateurs : Coordination Régionale des Usagers des ressources naturelles du Bassin du Niger (CRU-BN) avec AGW-Net The course will target mainly water users with a focus on Niger basin water users gathered in CRU-BN. AGW-Net will seek to attract at the same time participants who have showed motivation to participate totally or partially in costs organization. Le cours ciblera principalement les Usagers de l'eau en particulier, ceux du bassin du Niger qui sont membres de la CRU-BN. AGW-Net cherchera à attirer en même temps, les participants qui ont fait preuve de motivation, et qui sont en mesure de prendre en charge totalement ou partiellement les coûts de participation. This is a French language course. Le cours sera en langue française Apply to: please download and fill in application form to be send to CRU-BN ([email protected] ) with cc to Moustapha Diene ([email protected]) Pour soumettre votre candidature, nous vous prions de télécharger, de remplir la fiche de candidature à envoyer à CRU-BN ([email protected] ) avec copie à Moustapha Diene ([email protected]) Click here for course announcement / annonce de cours AND application form / fiche de candidature.