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Fig. 3 The map of the Orange-Senqu River Basin (Lange et al. 2007)
river basin, food and water supply security, and sustainability of the ecosystem. In
response, the SADC Climate Change Adaptation Strategy aims to promote application of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) plan to reduce climate
vulnerability and promote adaptation to climate variability and change. The IWRM
uses the “SADC Water Adaptation Cube” mechanism which calls for adaptation
measures at various levels (i.e., local, river basin, and regional), stages (i.e., preparatory, response, and recovery), and levels of authority (such as governance, development, and management). The cube was designed to raise awareness, build resilience,
reduce climate risks, and facilitate coordination among stakeholders.
To ensure sustainability of the IWRM, adaptation to climate change is essential.
Approaches include adjusting economic activities, national and regional reforms
(IWR 2014) design and development of infrastructure, and strategic intervention to
address resilience in agricultural production and enterprise development which are
important for rural as well as national and basin-wide development.