450
M. C. Moseki
evaluate the possible development and transfer of water resources from the highlands
of Lesotho to the southern part of Botswana (World Bank 2016).
It is essential to account for climate change by using climate change scenario
projections and potential system responses as detailed water resource balancing is
considered. Adaptation strategies must also address factors that may not directly
be related to climate, such as deterioration of water quality, and assessment and
protection of major groundwater aquifers. Compliance with water use monitoring
and enforcement should be improved in all four countries. Institutional capacity to
effectively manage water quality is also a major constraint in the member states
(ORASECOM 2008). Other issues requiring attention include enhanced investment
in renewable energy sources while implementing technologies that increase efficiency of coal-powered stations, infrastructure optimization, water use efficiency in
agriculture, and improved monitoring and use of forecasting (ORASECOM 2014).
4.4 Recommendations for the LHWP
Lewis et al. (2011a, b) dealt with climate change in the LWHP comprehensively
by focusing on its impacts on ecosystem goods and services, based on the research
work by Schulze et al. (2010) for the southern Africa region, including Lesotho. It is
moreover recommended that a dynamic downscaling approach be applied to develop
higher resolution climate change scenario projections for the LHWP to inform adaptation. Additionally, water managers and planners must develop adaptation plans and
implementation strategies to address water-related challenges driven by both climatic
factors and non-climatic factors (such as unsustainable land use and pollution).
5 The Limpopo River Basin
The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) evolved from the SADC structure and mandate. However, it has yet to establish a shared vision among the
four riparian states (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique) for
managing the basin and developing appropriate institutional arrangements to coordinate management. The Limpopo River Basin, one of the most populated river basins
in Africa, cuts across southern Botswana, most of the northern provinces of South
Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and central Mozambique (Fig. 15). Economic drivers
are mining, industry, agriculture, and large urban centers.
As it progressively becomes a scarce resource in the basin, water poses the biggest
threat to livelihoods, economies, and ecosystems of the river basin (Petrie et al. 2014).
Water supply is insufficient to meet demand, food insecurity results from climate
change-driven highly variable rainfall, and livelihoods rely significantly on climatesensitive natural resources. The basin is home to resource-poor rural communities
M. C. Moseki
evaluate the possible development and transfer of water resources from the highlands
of Lesotho to the southern part of Botswana (World Bank 2016).
It is essential to account for climate change by using climate change scenario
projections and potential system responses as detailed water resource balancing is
considered. Adaptation strategies must also address factors that may not directly
be related to climate, such as deterioration of water quality, and assessment and
protection of major groundwater aquifers. Compliance with water use monitoring
and enforcement should be improved in all four countries. Institutional capacity to
effectively manage water quality is also a major constraint in the member states
(ORASECOM 2008). Other issues requiring attention include enhanced investment
in renewable energy sources while implementing technologies that increase efficiency of coal-powered stations, infrastructure optimization, water use efficiency in
agriculture, and improved monitoring and use of forecasting (ORASECOM 2014).
4.4 Recommendations for the LHWP
Lewis et al. (2011a, b) dealt with climate change in the LWHP comprehensively
by focusing on its impacts on ecosystem goods and services, based on the research
work by Schulze et al. (2010) for the southern Africa region, including Lesotho. It is
moreover recommended that a dynamic downscaling approach be applied to develop
higher resolution climate change scenario projections for the LHWP to inform adaptation. Additionally, water managers and planners must develop adaptation plans and
implementation strategies to address water-related challenges driven by both climatic
factors and non-climatic factors (such as unsustainable land use and pollution).
5 The Limpopo River Basin
The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) evolved from the SADC structure and mandate. However, it has yet to establish a shared vision among the
four riparian states (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique) for
managing the basin and developing appropriate institutional arrangements to coordinate management. The Limpopo River Basin, one of the most populated river basins
in Africa, cuts across southern Botswana, most of the northern provinces of South
Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and central Mozambique (Fig. 15). Economic drivers
are mining, industry, agriculture, and large urban centers.
As it progressively becomes a scarce resource in the basin, water poses the biggest
threat to livelihoods, economies, and ecosystems of the river basin (Petrie et al. 2014).
Water supply is insufficient to meet demand, food insecurity results from climate
change-driven highly variable rainfall, and livelihoods rely significantly on climatesensitive natural resources. The basin is home to resource-poor rural communities