With climate change causing water risks to increase, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has launched a new strategy aimed at securing water resources, building resilience, and boosting sustainable agriculture in the East African region.

Speaking during the launch, IWMI Director General Mark Smith said the strategy is a roadmap for research and innovation to improve water management, enhance livelihoods, and drive sustainable development across the region.

“Through this strategy that runs till 2030, we are committed to working with partners to implement science-backed solutions to address pressing water-related challenges, improve livelihoods, and support sustainable development in Kenya and across the broader East Africa region,” Smith said.

The institute, he added, will be working with partners because solutions to complex water problems are most successful when scientists work together with policy, development, business and investment communities.

Apart from that, water is integral to all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It underpins progress on poverty, hunger, health, gender equality, inclusive growth and ecosystem conservation.

“We must align with others to transform water security and create the integrated solutions needed for food security, nature and climate change on the pathway to a just and sustainable future,” adds Smith.

Speaking at the same event, IWMI’s Regional Representative for East Africa, Abdulkarim H. Seid, highlighted that since challenges facing East Africa, as well as with other parts of the world, require collective action, the strategy will guide IWMI’s work in the region, ensuring that they co-design and co-develop solutions with local communities, governments, academia, the private sector and other key partners to build resilient and innovative water systems for a sustainable future.

“Since Africa’s water management faces critical data gaps, we have the Digital Innovation for Water Secure Africa (DIWASA) Initiative that aims to close those gaps by partnering with institutions to mainstream cutting-edge solutions for improved water management,” noted Seid.

The strategy was launched during the CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi that convened key stakeholders from government officials, research institutions, development partners, the private sector and NGOs representatives to explore bold innovative approaches and solutions for sustainable water management in the region.