South Africa
South Africa’s landscapes range from savannas and grasslands to semi-arid deserts and coastal ecosystems. It faces environmental challenges such as water scarcity, particularly in the western and central regions, as well as air pollution, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. With the majority of South Africa’s land classified as arid or semi-arid, effective water management and sustainable land use is crucial for the country’s long-term environmental and economic stability.
IWMI in South Africa
IWMI has been actively involved in a range of impactful projects in South Africa. They address key issues such as climate resilience, digital innovation, gender equality, water governance, inclusive community participation in water planning, and sustainable resource management.
IWMI also works on integrating water, energy, and food systems, fostering cross-sectoral solutions to address resource scarcity and enhance sustainability. We support agricultural resilience by tackling the interconnected challenges of water scarcity and soil degradation. IWMI’s policy support initiatives provide data and insights to improve water management and agricultural outcomes.
Through the development of strategies to mitigate the risks of extreme weather events, IWMI ensures that communities and farmers are better equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change. Through these initiatives, IWMI is driving sustainable development and improving resource management in South Africa.
Country representative
Latest South Africa news
What a just transition could mean for Southern Africa’s food, land and water systems
Inclusive Scaling for Gender Equality in Land, Food & Water Systems: CGIAR GENDER 2025 Conference
What turns everyday people into water scientists in the Limpopo River Basin?
November-December 2025 Research Journal Roundup
Latest South Africa publications
Digital inclusiveness report of the Enabel Citizen Science Project: potential risk & mitigation recommendations
Chapter 7 – Optimizing water productivity: challenges and opportunities in smallholder irrigation schemes—a case study from South Africa
Digital twins for river basin water management