For large-scale farmers, using local weather data and a smart irrigation system is a well-known method to enhance water efficiency. For many smallholders, however, this method is still unknown and difficult to access.
The pilot project SOSIA+, funded by Partners for Water, aims to change this. Its innovative and accessible climate-smart irrigation service is currently boosting small-scale farmers in Ghana.
The approach
Ghanaian farmers have highlighted the need for irrigation technologies suited to their local conditions and climate-smart practices. In response, SOSIA+ created a smart irrigation service and are testing this service. The service aims to provide tailored advice to farmers by analysing weather data, both historical and real-time, to determine crop-specific irrigation needs.
The objectives
By addressing inefficient irrigation practices and minimising water wastage, this project aims to alleviate pressure on river basins, crucial for sustaining increased food production in Ghana, as well as to offer recommendations in terms of both volume and timing, particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers.
The team
The SOSIA+ consortium consists of TU Delft, Holland Green Tech, Future Water, and TAHMO. This combination of knowledge and business partners has proven highly effective, especially given their shared long-term goals.
TU Delft has maintained a longstanding presence in Ghana and remains committed to further engagement, leveraging existing partnerships with KNUST and Kwadaso. Holland Greentech already operates three local offices in Ghana and sees significant business opportunities in the horticulture sector.
How does the project affect water security
Ghana’s rapid population growth, particularly in cities like Accra and Kumasi, coupled with shifting climate patterns, is straining water and food security. Farmers in regions like Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Volta, where most vegetables are grown, face significant water wastage due to inefficient irrigation methods. For instance, tomato production alone consumes over 36 billion litres of water annually.
As Ghana aims to boost local food production and reduce import dependency, the demand for irrigation water in the horticulture sector is expected to rise further, exacerbating water scarcity issues exacerbated by longer droughts and reduced river basin availability. Therefore, this project seeks to develop and trial an innovative tool to significantly improve water security in Ghana.
This technology stands out because it provides highly localised information that is directly applicable to the farmer’s field
Expected outcomes
The expected (measurable and concrete) end results upon realising the project will be:
- More than 200 farmers in Ghana have actively used the tool
- More than 4,000 farmers are aware of the tool and climate smart irrigation practice
- More than 600 students/young farmers are educated in the field of climate smart irrigation
- 25% less water that is used per monitored farmer
- 15% of crop yield increase per monitored farmer
- Exposure and interest from farmers outside of the Ashanti region, reaching more than 25,000 farmers in Ghana
Innovation in progress series
SOSIA+ features in the Partners for Water’s ongoing Innovation in Progress series. Throughout this series, Partners for Water closely follows a selection of projects that have received a Partners for Water subsidy, from start to finish. Over the next few years, these projects will take you with them on their journey of testing the feasibility or application of innovative solutions to enhance water security abroad. You’ll be able to gain insights into their processes, collaborations with local partners and their potential solutions; as well as their struggles, challenges and their lessons learned.
Follow the SOSIA+ journey:
Africa faces immense water challenges. In the southern region, Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa, drought threatens the area’s development
The ‘Global water availability forecasting service to support water security’ (GLOW)-consortium works to address this problem.
The approach
The Mbuluzi and Maputo river basins, with their complex water management challenges and high population density, are ideal for piloting the GLOW services. This project integrates the GLOW services into the HydroNET platform to analyse the water system and provide risk-based seasonal forecasts of water supply failures. Using hydrological models, it enables integrated water resources planning and simulations of moisture storage and water exchange. A prototype within HydroNET will deliver risk-based seasonal water supply predictions.
The objectives
The GLOW project aims to provide timely access to water resources information for sustainable development and water security in the Maputo and Black Umbuluzi river catchments. By focusing on reservoirs, soils, and groundwater, it supports SDGs 2, 6, and 13. Through the GLOW services like water availability forecasts and distribution advisories, it addresses the needs of upstream, downstream, and environmental users, enhancing overall water management.
The team
The GLOW consortium brings together the expertise of three companies: HydroLogic, FutureWater, and Emanti Management.
- HydroLogic specialises in offering decision support services for water managers through HydroNET. HydroNET enables the implementation of operational rules for water distribution.
- FutureWater supports water managers worldwide by applying cutting-edge solutions and tools.
- Emanti Management offers professional guidance and support in the drinking water, wastewater, and sanitation sectors.
How does the project affect water security
Development in the Maputo River and Mbuluzi River basins faces threats from natural drought hazards, putting water security at risk. Persistent drought worsens existing challenges of food security and sustainable development. With significant population growth and economic development, competition for limited freshwater resources intensifies.
Climate change exacerbates water stress and degrades water quality. Access to up-to-date information on forecasted water availability is crucial for day-to-day and seasonal water resource management. This information is essential for planning and managing reservoir inflows, groundwater storage, water distribution, and ensuring reliable water supply, thus safeguarding water security in the region.
What makes this project unique is using and combining proven techniques to produce operational water availability and demand, up to several months in advance
Expected outcomes
The anticipated outcomes of this project include:
- Implementation of operational GLOW services tailored to end-user requirements
- Successful demonstration and validation of GLOW services
- Engaged and trained personnel benefiting from GLOW services
- Increased awareness among staff and stakeholders about water security challenges
- Comprehensive understanding of the economic benefits and impacts of GLOW, supported by a business plan
- A plan for scaling up GLOW services for deployment in other countries
Innovation in progress series
GLOW features in the Partners for Water’s ongoing Innovation in Progress series. Throughout this series, Partners for Water closely follows a selection of projects that have received a Partners for Water subsidy, from start to finish. Over the next few years, these projects will take you with them on their journey of testing the feasibility or application of innovative solutions to enhance water security abroad. You’ll be able to gain insights into their processes, collaborations with local partners and their potential solutions; as well as their struggles, challenges and their lessons learned.
Follow the GLOW journey:
Calzada del Agua, an innovative solution for sustainable watermanagement in Mexican cities
In Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, a feasibility study will be conducted in which a circular water system is proposed as a solution to both flooding and drought. This concept incorporates the BlueBloqs technology. This technology provides local collection, treatment, underground storage and reuse of rainwater. BlueBloqs is a modular, nature-based solution specifically designed for urban areas to harness every drop of rainwater
The approach
The project team will gather technical, institutional, financial, and spatial data through desk research. This information will be used to develop and test a technical model. Simultaneously, the project creats a spatial matrix to ensure the model’s applicability in similar Mexican settings. Following this, a business case will be crafted to assess the overall feasibility and identify potential cities in Mexico for scaling the product. Throughout this process, local communities and other stakeholders will actively be involved to enrich the team’s insights.
The objectives
This feasibility study delves into technical intricacies like subsoil specifics, rainwater storage constraints, and legal implications. Additionally, we assess social reception for our new public space design and the economic viability of Calzada del Agua, positioning it as a holistic solution for sustainable urban water management in the Mexican market
What makes this project unique is that we directly link the captured water to the end user
The team
The Calzada del Agua consortium consists of Beccan Davila -Puentes (BD+P), FieldFactors (FF), and Centro SC. Together, they form a strong coalition combining design strength, a local network and smart technology.
Beccan Davila -Puentes (BD+P) has been working on strategic spatial planning for almost 20 years, including 13 years in Mexico. BD+P specialises in water-related tasks.
FieldFactors (FF) is an innovative Dutch startup in water technology and sustainable urban water management. FF has developed a circular water system to ensure the availability of freshwater in urban areas while preventing flooding due to extreme rainfall.
Centro SC is a Mexican consultancy that is talented in finding local interested parties, promoting products, connecting with different partners and analysing the regulations for implementing such solutions.
How does the project affect water security
In Mexico, flooding and water scarcity pose significant challenges. Heavy rainfall leads to frequent street flooding, causing an annual damage toll of USD 230 million. Conversely, projections indicate that by 2040, Mexico will confront severe water shortages due to climate change (Cruz Ayala & Megdal, 2020).
However, this issue isn’t confined to the future; currently, approximately 15 million people lack access to clean drinking water in Mexico. The ramifications extend to agriculture, livestock, and water availability in urban areas. Notably, the project site is situated in the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, home to 260,000 residents.
Expected outcomes
- Clear description and conclusions regarding the feasibility of implementing BlueBloqs technology in Mexico, considering spatial, cultural, technological, institutional, and economic aspects.
- Development of an assessment matrix to identify suitable locations in public spaces for efficient integration of BlueBloqs.
- Creation of a preliminary spatial design for incorporating BlueBloqs at the Calzada de la República project site in Oaxaca.
- Formulation of an implementation plan for the pilot project at Calzada de la República in Oaxaca de Juárez, including planning and co-financing arrangements.
- Strategy for scaling up the solution post-pilot phase.
Innovation in progress series
Calzada del Agua features in the Partners for Water’s ongoing Innovation in Progress series. Throughout this series, Partners for Water closely follows a selection of projects that have received a Partners for Water subsidy, from start to finish. Over the next few years, these projects will take you with them on their journey of testing the feasibility or application of innovative solutions to enhance water security abroad. You’ll be able to gain insights into their processes, collaborations with local partners and their potential solutions; as well as their struggles, challenges and their lessons learned.
Follow the Calzada del Agua journey:
Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we initiate impactful changes for a better living environment.
