Water data science

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) strengthens water security through innovative data analysis and application, as well as novel digital tools.

To address critical information gaps, IWMI collects and analyzes data using technologies like remote sensing and compiles fragmented datasets from various public and private sources. This comprehensive approach equips researchers, policymakers, and communities with the data and information they need to make informed decisions and manage water resources effectively.

To improve access and analysis, IWMI makes its data publicly available through Open Access platforms and offers user-friendly digital dashboards that integrate real-time monitoring and practical insights. These platforms empower experts to address water- and climate-related challenges, and engage citizens in water management and climate adaptation activities. Custom tools enable communities to track water quality, predict floods, and prepare for droughts. IWMI also enhances capacity at local, national, and regional levels.

IWMI’s science-based tools support diverse applications such as water accounting, irrigation management, and climate impact and adaptation assessments. These data-driven solutions include forecasts to anticipate future conditions, scenario analyses to explore potential outcomes, and impact assessments that evaluate policy effects on water, food, and land systems. This ensures that stakeholders have access to the right data for both immediate needs and long-term planning.

Artificial intelligence (AI) further amplifies the effectiveness of IWMI’s data tools, with machine learning models assisting in real-time monitoring and precise water resource mapping. By incorporating AI technologies within frameworks that prioritize gender equity and social inclusion, IWMI ensures that digital tools support equitable participation and inclusive water management for all communities.

Contact

Fulco Ludwig

Fulco Ludwig

Director – Water Data Science

Latest news

Data for decision making via the Climate-Smart Governance dashboard

IWMI pre-launched the Climate-Smart Governance (CSG) dashboard at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan earlier this week …

Transboundary collaboration on the Limpopo

Africa’s first prototype digital twin comes home to the Limpopo River Basin …

Climate finance for resilience is a necessity to counter the ongoing drought in Zambia

Estimates of losses in the agriculture and food sector and disease burdens underscore the need for strong policy frameworks, monitoring and management tools …

IWMI is working with governments to build water resilience at COP29 

IWMI women researchers are leading the way on actionable policy recommendations and implementation for water resource management …

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 …

Projects

Latest publications

Displaying 4 publications
Assessing GHG emissions of a tropical large hydropower reservoir using G-res and GEE (11/05/2024)
Assessing GHG emissions of a tropical large hydropower reservoir using G-res and GEE
Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 2024
More... [DOI]
Assessment of critical water-related data and skills needs to improve anticipatory actions in selected districts of the Somali Region, Ethiopia (10/30/2024)
Assessment of critical water-related data and skills needs to improve anticipatory actions in selected districts of the Somali Region, Ethiopia
2024
More... | Fulltext (2.74 MB)
Operational SWAT+ model: advancing seasonal forecasting in the Limpopo River Basin (10/23/2024)
Operational SWAT+ model: advancing seasonal forecasting in the Limpopo River Basin
2024
More... | Fulltext (6.22 MB)
Design, construction and evaluation of a drone-tethered river survey vessel (10/16/2024)
Design, construction and evaluation of a drone-tethered river survey vessel
2024
More... | Fulltext (9.44 MB)