Chapter 21
Proposed Research, Science, Technology,
and Innovation to Address Current
and Future Challenges of Climate
Change and Water Resource
Management in Africa
Andrea Vushe
Abstract Africa’s adaptation to climate change requires significant shifts from
existing management systems for water and land resources for sustainability,
achieving food security, and socioeconomic development. Research and development programs must focus on practical conjunctive water management systems for
salty and freshwater resources, strengthen capacities of urban and rural communities to circumvent existing institutional constraints, and socioeconomic challenges
and political conflict. Research on flood- and drought-prone climates must examine
water resource management at river basin scales. Soil and water conservation efforts
should focus on commercializing small-scale farming, reforestation, pasture revitalization, enhancement of soil fertility, management of erosion and sediment, and
development of cost-effective technologies for floodwater harvesting, treatment,
recharging of aquifers, and efficient irrigation. Research on cost-effective urban
wastewater treatment systems that exceeds minimal effluent quality standards and
wastewater recycling may produce practical solutions that reinforce freshwater and
human nutrient cycles, reduce pollution, and mitigate water stresses. Food security programs must include cost-effective mechanization; post-harvest technology;
intensified agronomy; breeding; distribution; extension; commercializing production
systems; and marketing of drought, pest, and disease-tolerant exotic and indigenous
crops (small grains and fruit trees), livestock, wildlife, and edible insects. Developing cleaner renewable energy technologies for domestic power supply (substituting wood fuel), powering water pumps, and small-scale industries may improve
the productivity and standard of life of rural and peri-urban communities. Collaboration of local and global researchers and manufacturers, designers, and testing institutions for appropriate technologies must lead to innovation and growth of small-scale
industries, agriculture, creation of jobs and wealth, and improved water services.
Keywords Climate change adaptation · Conjunctive water management ·
Drought-tolerant crops · Rural food security · Appropriate technology · Research
A. Vushe (B)
Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
e-mail: avushe@nust.na
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
S. Diop et al. (eds.), Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61225-2_21
489
Proposed Research, Science, Technology,
and Innovation to Address Current
and Future Challenges of Climate
Change and Water Resource
Management in Africa
Andrea Vushe
Abstract Africa’s adaptation to climate change requires significant shifts from
existing management systems for water and land resources for sustainability,
achieving food security, and socioeconomic development. Research and development programs must focus on practical conjunctive water management systems for
salty and freshwater resources, strengthen capacities of urban and rural communities to circumvent existing institutional constraints, and socioeconomic challenges
and political conflict. Research on flood- and drought-prone climates must examine
water resource management at river basin scales. Soil and water conservation efforts
should focus on commercializing small-scale farming, reforestation, pasture revitalization, enhancement of soil fertility, management of erosion and sediment, and
development of cost-effective technologies for floodwater harvesting, treatment,
recharging of aquifers, and efficient irrigation. Research on cost-effective urban
wastewater treatment systems that exceeds minimal effluent quality standards and
wastewater recycling may produce practical solutions that reinforce freshwater and
human nutrient cycles, reduce pollution, and mitigate water stresses. Food security programs must include cost-effective mechanization; post-harvest technology;
intensified agronomy; breeding; distribution; extension; commercializing production
systems; and marketing of drought, pest, and disease-tolerant exotic and indigenous
crops (small grains and fruit trees), livestock, wildlife, and edible insects. Developing cleaner renewable energy technologies for domestic power supply (substituting wood fuel), powering water pumps, and small-scale industries may improve
the productivity and standard of life of rural and peri-urban communities. Collaboration of local and global researchers and manufacturers, designers, and testing institutions for appropriate technologies must lead to innovation and growth of small-scale
industries, agriculture, creation of jobs and wealth, and improved water services.
Keywords Climate change adaptation · Conjunctive water management ·
Drought-tolerant crops · Rural food security · Appropriate technology · Research
A. Vushe (B)
Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
e-mail: avushe@nust.na
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
S. Diop et al. (eds.), Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61225-2_21
489