Naga Manohar Velpuri
Principle Researcher & Research Group Leader - Water Data Science for Action (WDSA)
Naga Manohar Velpuri was a technical expert and remote sensing hydrology lead for USGS, DOI, USBR, NASA, UNEP, FAO, and USAID-funded projects. He specializes in using earth observation data for developing a wide variety of water indicator data using consistent methodologies and digital innovation tools for integrated water resources management. His current research projects broadly cover understanding: developing sustainable water resources development plans under climate change; understanding multi-sectoral water demands, supply, and use; assessing the impact of agricultural investments; multi-scale water accounting and productivity analysis; and alternative water uses such as wastewater (generation and reuse) and desalination.
Current projects
Latest news for Naga Manohar Velpuri
Digital tools and open data reshape water management across Africa
IWMI's latest report on Digital Solutions for Africa's Water Management reveals the continent's water sector undergoing a gradual but important transformation, driven by technological innovation ...
In MENA water reuse holds immense potential, yet remains largely untapped
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A digital revolution in action is transforming water management in Africa
Through the Digital Innovations for Water Secure Africa initiative, IWMI and its partners are addressing water challenges across the continent by using innovative digital tools and creating data-driven solutions ...
IWMI and partners tackle water security challenges in Mexico through cutting-edge technology
Mexican water officials and IWMI’s experts explore challenges related to water security in Mexico and work to identify solutions that can be accelerated using AI, Earth Observation data and advanced ...
Water accounting insights to revitalize irrigation schemes in Ethiopia
IWMI used its water accounting approach to identify measures to revitalize the Amibara Irrigation Scheme — with a potential to modernize irrigation management far beyond Amibara ...
How AI can revolutionize water research and management in Africa
At the first Global AI Summit on Africa, IWMI joined leaders, policymakers and innovators from more than 95 countries to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence to scale existing water ...
IWMI and climate tech startup SunCulture establish landmark partnership to advance sustainable solar irrigation in Kenya
The pioneering partnership aims to scale solar irrigation for climate-resilient agriculture and safeguard Kenya’s water resources ...
IWMI research offers a path to better river discharge estimation in Africa
The continent's ability to adapt to climate change depends, in part, on accurate river discharge estimation ...
IWMI is cultivating a new generation of water experts in Africa
IWMI has expanded DIWASA's scope to emphasize capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, and mentorship ...
IWMI is helping to address gaps in Africa’s water data
A collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach is enhancing capacity and tailoring solutions to local needs ...
Data on continental-scale river discharge are crucial to address water demand
IWMI researchers assess the data gap, existing methods and technologies for river discharge estimation in Africa ...
Latest publications by Naga Manohar Velpuri
Report
Mapping agricultural water dynamics and management pathways in Kenya’s Central Highlands
International Water Management Institute | February 19th, 2026
Brief
Tracking water for countries and catchments: a new scale invariant water accounting framework for Africa
International Water Management Institute | February 12th, 2026
Brief
High-resolution river flow data to strengthen water security in Africa
International Water Management Institute | February 9th, 2026
Contact
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