Ghana, like many other Sub-Saharan African countries, is experiencing extreme drought and irregular weather patterns. These climate change challenges are expected to increase and require adaptation and mitigation measures. To adapt, farmers need localised, climate smart irrigation advice. TU Delft, FutureWater, Holland Greentech and TAHMO are making this vital information accessible to local smallholders. TAHMO’s CEO and TU Delft lecturer, Frank Annor, reveals the underlying technique and processes behind their inclusive solution.

From his office at TU Delft, Frank discusses the innovative technology behind SOSIA+. As a Civil Engineer at TU Delft, he knows exactly how to implement the ideas of this elaborate service. But first, he explains the role of the other organization he works for: “TAHMO aims to develop a dense network of weather stations across Africa to enable precise weather monitoring and forecasting, and to facilitate openly accessible data. Our role in the SOSIA+ project is to provide the technology for the weather stations and moisture sensors, and to monitor and deliver real-time weather and climate data.”

Frank Annor

SOISA+ Technology

“Small-scale farmers receive localised irrigation advice on required water volumes and duration of irrigation from us to enhance water security and improve crop production,” Frank explains. “We’ve combined TAHMO’s data-collection technology with an algorithm created by FutureWater. Additionally, we offer training on the use of this system through the TU Delft partnership with Ghanaian universities and knowledge institutes and the Holland Greentech Ghana team.”

The irrigation advice is communicated through various channels, including an app, text messages, WhatsApp and in person. Frank explains: “Effective communication channels are crucial because we rely on farmers to collect and share data from their farms. This allows us to validate our advice and tailor it to the unique conditions of each farm. That’s why we created a modular communication system. The channels we use and the information we provide are based on the farmer’s preference and skills.”

An accessible service

“This technology stands out because it provides highly localised information that is directly applicable to the farmer’s field,” Frank explains. “Typically, such advanced technology is only accessible to large-scale farmers. However, we’ve developed a concept that allows multiple individual smallholder farmers to purchase the service collectively. Moreover, we’ve employed cost-effective, low-maintenance technology and a modular system that can be scaled to suit the farm’s size and the farmer’s level of expertise.”

Co-creation

“One of the key success factors of SOSIA+ is that we’ve developed the service and technology in collaboration with the farmers via an iterative process,” Frank reflects. “Our starting point was to discuss their needs and demonstrate how the system’s features could meet those needs. Then we created a mock-up, returned to the farmers for feedback, adjusted accordingly, and repeated the process. This approach significantly improved the usability and adoption of the service. It truly has been an invaluable lesson for developing solutions that genuinely meet the users’ needs.”

Scalability

Both Holland Greentech and TAHMO have teams operating in over 20 African countries. Frank explains, enthusiastically: “We already have the necessary connections in various areas, and the system’s modular design is great for scalability. The modularity ensures the technology is easily adaptable to meet the needs of new users in different locations.” He continues: “Challenges exist, such as establishing a viable business model. However, the funding from Partners for Water allows us to test our business model and value proposition in the pilot project and to develop a sound strategy on how to sustain the service moving forward.”

Innovation in progress series

The Partners for Water 5 programme (2022 – 2027) follows several projects that received the Partners for Water subsidy from start to finish. Over the next few years, these projects will take you on their journey of testing the feasibility or application of innovative solutions to enhance water safety and 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. Stay tuned via the Partners for Water LinkedIn page!

Liliane Geerling joined Partners for Waters on October 1st as programme coordinator. Common themes throughout her whole career have been water, spatial adaptation, knowledge sharing and project and programme management This is one of the reasons she believes that now, in her current position, everything she has learned in the past years is ‘coming together’. But first, let’s get to know her a bit better. Welcome to the team, Liliane!

‘Since graduating as a spatial designer at the Technical University in Delft, I’ve always found it important to incorporate local contexts into my work. Water is of course part of this context and has become an increasingly important topic in my career. The city of Rotterdam,  my first employer where I worked as project and programme manager, was involved in water issues at an early stage. So, for me, the current theme of “water and soil are leading” has been the starting point for me for many years already. Smart city planning and design means putting water in its natural place.

The other side of the table

‘After working for 7 years as project manager and advisor for a spatial development consultancy agency, I joined the HZ University of Applied Sciences in Zeeland. For 10 years I gave form to the spatial development courses within their water management programme as senior lecturer and researcher. Within that programme delta countries play a pivotal role which is why I’ve worked on a lot of projects in Southeast Asia. That’s when I first encountered PfW. Back then I was “on the other side of the table” trying to win subsidy schemes. An experience I’ll now take with me in my work here.’

‘At PfW I’ll work on connecting the components of the programme: subsidies, thematic and delta approaches and making sure that lessons learned are well communicated. There are many things to focus on, like figuring out how we can distinguish ourselves better in the Dutch water sector. Or how we, with relatively small budgets, can still manage to create “flywheel effects” in the countries where we’re active. Co-creation plays a big role in this because if locals don’t embrace it, a project will never be successful.’

New opportunities

‘I would also like to emphasise monitoring and evaluation, a topic which hasn’t received enough attention yet. Starting up a project is one thing, keeping it going is just as important. Continuity also fits our ambition of making the water sector more circular. Of course, national and local politics play a role in this process too. New political leaders need to understand the importance of our work. This can be challenging, but it is the circumstances in which we operate. It is complex, but also exciting and sometimes a turn of events, which at first seems negative, can lead to new positive opportunities.’

Currently I’m trying to figure out what my field looks like, which is why I’m in The Hague a lot, meeting people and connecting the dots. Systems thinking and integration have always been a part of my career, so I’m used to looking at complex situations from different angles. But I feel that in this position everything comes together: learning, capacity building, knowledge sharing, managing, innovating, communicating and preparing for the future. It will also be very interesting to see how the various water related programmes within RVO can strengthen one another in the coming years. And fun!

Today, we proudly presented the Partners for Water Award 2024 to FieldFactors during Waterproof 2024. The innovative BlueBloqs solution designed by FieldFactors transformed rainwater management in Valladolid, Spain. Over 300 people voted to recognise the impact of the three nominated projects that were funded by the PVW-IVWW subsidy scheme and which contributed to global water security.

Over the last two months, national and international water professionals have had the chance to vote for one of the three nominated projects, funded by the Partners for Water subsidy scheme. This scheme promotes the use of innovative techniques, services and methodologies devised by the Dutch water sector in order to increase water security abroad. The nominated projects not only envisioned change, but also made an impact with their innovative water solutions.

Winner of the Partners for Water Award 2024

We are delighted to announce that this year’s winner of the Partners for Water Award 2024 is FieldFactors, for its innovative BlueBloqs that transformed rainwater management in Valladolid, Spain. By combining design, engineering, water science and technology, FieldFactors implemented a Nature-based Solution to address flooding and periods of drought at Valladolid’s Zorrilla Football Stadium.

The BlueBloqs system collects and treats rainwater for direct use and underground storage, reducing flooding risks and operational costs for Real Valladolid and ensuring a reliable water source during dry months. The project aligns with the broader objectives of the Partners for Water programme, showcasing the power of innovative Nature-based Solutions in urban water management.

Transforming rainwater management in Valladolid with BlueBloqs – Field Factors

For more information about the project click on this link.

Runners-up of the Partners for Water Award 2024

We would also like to congratulate Nelen & Schuurmans and Royal HaskoningDHV as this year’s runners-up for the Partners for Water Award 2024. Nelen & Schuurmans significantly advanced flood prediction in Taipei by providing residents with vital risk information through advanced cloud computing. Royal HaskoningDHV contributed to water security through innovative sandscaping in Bacton, England, providing immediate coastal protection with digital twin technology.

Subsidy as a catalyst for sustainable water management

Each winner of this year’s awards were brilliant examples of how the PVW-IVWW subsidy scheme has been instrumental in bringing innovative water management solutions to life. These projects, spanning from 2017 to 2022, have utilised the subsidy as a launchpad for testing, adapting and perfecting their innovations in real-world settings.

Stay up-to-date on new subsidy application rounds and subsidy projects through the Partners for Water newsletter.

Sign up for the Partners for Water newsletter so you don’t miss out on new subsidy application rounds.

“Embracing space in water management will take our knowledge from a local to a global level” explains Kathelijne Beenen. Satellites and spatial information services, intricately linked with climate and water systems, form a vital part of our environmental management toolkit. All stakeholders in water management, agriculture and Nature-based Solutions should be informed about the ways this technology can enhance our understanding and management of water resources. Want to find out how and why? Discover the answers by joining the “Space Technology for (Water) Dummies” deep-dive session at Waterproof 2024, hosted by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) and users who have benefitted from space technology.

Who is Kathelijne Beenen?

Kathelijne’s expertise lies in innovation, and she has supported both the private sector and governments through her work with the NSO for the past three and a half years. Her academic background is in geoscience and remote sensing at Delft University of Technology, where she utilised satellite data to improve local agriculture. She is currently focussing on applying space technology to environmental challenges, ranging from local projects in Mozambique and Colombia to advising the Dutch government and Dutch businesses on leveraging satellite data for environmental solutions.

The urgency of space technology in water management

When asked why this topic is crucial, Kathelijne emphasised the role of space technology and data in addressing water management and climate challenges. “Earth observation and Internet-of-Things sensors (connected via satellites) provide us with real-time data and long-term trends, which are essential for making informed decisions in water management,” she explains. The ability to monitor and predict agricultural yields, understand land use, and manage our natural resources more effectively are indispensable to how we approach environmental challenges.

International developments and the future

Kathelijne highlights a significant shift in the space sector: from technology-driven satellite development to user-centric solutions. This evolution means more tailored services for a variety of end-users. Looking forward, seeing the steep increase in the number of Earth observation satellites and use of machine learning and AI, she predicts an increase in the availability and accessibility of satellite data and information services, fostering a more sustainable approach to managing our natural resources.

Why attend “Space technology for (water) dummies”?

“It’s a sneak preview of what space technology and Earth observation have to offer for water, climate change, and biodiversity. The session aims to inform, inspire, and engage us in meaningful dialogue.”

Join us at Waterproof 2024

Join us at Waterproof 2024 to explore how space technology can assist us in understanding, managing, and preserving our most precious resource: water.

“Choosing long-term, Nature-based Solutions over short-term, economical alternatives is pivotal for our future,” asserts Rosa de Wolf. Biodiversity, together with our climate and water systems, forms our life-support system. All initiatives under the Partners for Water umbrella should strengthen this life-support system. But how do we transcend the abstract nature of this concept? Find the answer by joining the design charrette led by Rosa de Wolf and Nico Tillie from TU Delft.

The expertise of Rosa de Wolf

Rosa’s expertise stems from her background in urban planning and her current role as a PhD candidate in Landscape Architecture at TU Delft. Her work, which began with pioneering designs for arid urban landscapes in Morocco, now focuses on revitalizing over 3,800 industrial sites in the Netherlands into vibrant, multifunctional, and nature-inclusive spaces, a programme financed by the Nationaal Groeifonds (National Growth Fund).

Biodiversity is more than a box to tick

Rosa emphasizes that biodiversity should not be merely an afterthought or a box to tick at a project’s end. Instead, it must be a starting point. “Designing for biodiversity means creating spaces that are not just aesthetically green and pleasant but also resilient to climate change,” she explains. This approach is about understanding and catering to the specific needs of various species, ensuring that our urban environments are as welcoming and nurturing for them as they are for us.

Why now? The urgency of biodiversity

The importance of this topic has never been more evident. With increasing water management challenges in the Netherlands and globally, Rosa stresses the need for immediate action. “Nature requires time to flourish, and if we aim to secure a habitable environment for the next fifty years, we cannot afford to delay,” she insists.

Global perspectives and local impact

Rosa’s involvement with international projects such as Africa Wood Grow in Kenya, offers a wider view on the efficacy of Nature-based Solutions. Another exemplary global initiative is the mangrove plantation in Indonesia, which demonstrates how nature can be instrumental in coastal restoration. These worldwide examples provide concrete evidence of the critical role biodiversity plays in tackling environmental challenges, from soil erosion to effective water management.

The future is green and diverse

Looking forward, Rosa envisions a world where biodiversity is at the forefront of urban design. “The future should see green, diverse spaces as a standard, not an afterthought,” she says. This vision requires a paradigm shift in how we approach urban development, prioritizing long-term ecological benefits over short-term gains.

Partners for Water has granted subsidies to 6 consortia that aim to enhance water security abroad with innovative solutions. This is the result of the third round of subsidies under the Partners for Water 2022-2027 programme. The scheme provides an opportunity for companies, knowledge institutions and NGOs in the water sector to research and test their approaches to sustainable water management. Discover the 6 innovative solutions below.

For the feasibility studies and pilot projects, the organisations that have been granted a subsidy will work in Portugal, Mexico, Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt and Ghana.

1. Ecological breakwaters for a resilient coast (Mexico)

The Delft-based start-up ‘Reefy’ aims to address climate-change-induced challenges threatening the Mexican coastline and the Mesoamerican Reef. Their innovative solution, the ‘ReefBlock’, is a huge Lego-like block featuring a complex system of tunnels and can be assembled to form an underwater artificial reef. It serves not only as a foundation for reef growth but also as a submerged breakwater to protect the coastline. Reefy will undertake a detailed feasibility study in collaboration with local partners to assess the conditions and stakeholder interests, setting the groundwork for a future pilot project.

2. Enhanced water retention in building facades (Portugal)

Portugal is on the frontline of Europe’s climate change impacts and faces more extreme weather each year. Densely built areas exacerbate these effects, increasing flooding risks and indoor and outdoor temperatures. The Rainmate® systems project is set to research the feasibility of a passive, scalable technology for enhanced water retention in building facades. The water retained by this system is used to help mitigate heat in urban areas and provides a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by climate change.

Consortium: Blue Innovations B.V., Neoturf Espaços Verdes and Flax Sarl.

3. Hydroponic methods to combat soil salinity and water scarcity (Egypt)

The ProSal-Hydro project introduces a low-tech, low cost, open field hydroponic system (LTLCH) to enhance irrigation efficiency for smallholder farmers in the Nile Delta and to combat local salinisation. Vegetables will grow in shallow basins with their roots in the water, saving up to 80 to 90% of water compared to open field sprinkler irrigation systems. This allows for higher yields and consistent quality, and it is expected to be an affordable method with higher income for the farmer. With the funding from Partners for Water, the consortium will pilot the system in four locations in Egypt and aims to build local capacity to enhance the sustainable operations of the installed systems.

Consortium: Delphy B.V., The Salt Doctors B.V. and Plug ‘n’ Grow.

4. Accessible open data on agricultural water consumption monitoring (Morocco)

The Eleaf project addresses the issue of water shortages in the Tensift Basin, Morocco, that hinder local agricultural development. The consortium aims to empower local authorities and professionals without prior GIS experience with better tools for law enforcement, planning, monitoring and advising on water management by converting complex high-resolution geographical data on agricultural water consumption into user-friendly dashboards. This should result in enhanced decision-making and planning for agricultural water management.

Consortium: Eleaf and Resing

5. Three-part urban flood forecasting system (Ethiopia)

A consortium led by HKV will address the significant challenges in flood management that are faced by the local water authorities of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, by implementing a three-part urban flood forecasting system. This innovative solution will utilise the rapid flood inundation model SFINCS, integrated with HydroMT, to better predict and understand the effects of floods. This approach not only provides valuable weather insights but also generates steering information for flood management, emergency response and adaptation measures.

Consortium: HKV, Deltares, the Dutch Red Cross, Tahmo and ICPAC.

6. Innovative community water treatment system (Ghana)

Element15, Climate Focus and Fix that Pump will demonstrate and improve a community water treatment system designed to retrofit existing water infrastructures in Ghana’s rural areas. Their innovative BAR treatment system delivers water that is safe for consumption without requiring energy to operate the process. During the pilot phase, the consortium aims to have the BAR system certified by the World Health Organization and to improve its sustainability through carbon credit market financing. To test the operational feasibility, the project will go through the entire validation and verification cycle of certifying the project for carbon credits.

Consortium: Element15, Climate Focus and Fix that Pump.

Would you like to participate in the next subsidy round?

The subsidy scheme aims to support innovative projects from entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and NGOs in the Dutch water sector that improve water security abroad.
A new subsidy round will open in July. To be eligible, you can apply now for the mandatory intake interview.

Are you a professional in the water sector and looking for funding for an innovative project abroad? The next round of the Partners for Water subsidy scheme opens at the 19th of January! The intake interviews for 2024’s first round of the Partners for Water subsidy scheme just closed. However, a second subsidy round will open in July. To be eligible, you can apply now for the mandatory intake interview.

Partners for Water (PVW-IVWW) subsidy scheme

The Partners for Water programme 2022-2027 is designed to foster public-private partnerships and promote innovative sustainable water management projects. The programme includes seven subsidy rounds for the Dutch water sector. This will be the fourth round. The subsidy scheme focuses on supporting feasibility studies and pilot projects that generate new knowledge and experiences to scale up Dutch innovations. Additionally, Partners for Water organises networking activities to share insights and experiences. By developing new innovations, the Dutch water sector contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Who is it for?

This opportunity is for entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and NGOs in the Dutch water sector who want to work globally. Specifically, it is for those who want to conduct feasibility studies and pilot projects for innovative solutions related to water security in deltas, delta cities and in river basins abroad.

Sign up for a required intake interview

The next round of the Partners for Water subsidy scheme starts at the 19th of January! The intake interviews for 2024’s first round of the Partners for Water subsidy scheme just closed. However, a second subsidy round will open in July. To be eligible, you can apply now for the mandatory intake interview. Sign up here for a mandatory intake interview. During the intake interview, you can discuss the terms of the scheme with our advisor.

Have you already had an intake interview with our advisor? Then you can apply for the subsidy via our application page. There you will also find the required forms to include with your application.

Valuable knowledge continues to be generated through the programmes facilitated by Partners for Water (PfW). Learnings and insights that can potentially benefit anyone working within the water security. That’s why sharing these is an essential part of what PfW does. This is where Bram van der Wielen comes in. As Knowledge & Communication Advisor he connects water enthusiasts around the world. Nice to meet you, Bram!

‘I’ve been with Partners for Water for about a year now’, Bram tells us. ‘Before coming here, I developed my communication skills at different governmental organisations, such as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum), the Inspectorate of Education (Onderwijsinspectie) and the Dutch Flood Protection Programme (HWBP). The goal was always the same: to tell stories in a simple yet effective way.’

Bram used to feel that his job satisfaction mainly came from this and that the subject itself was less important. ‘However, when I started working for HWBP, this belief started to change and I became fascinated by the work of the Dutch water sector. So, when I saw the Knowledge & Communication Advisor vacancy at PfW, I was immediately sold. I love contributing to something we sometimes take for granted in the Netherlands: water security.’

Building traction

Within the PfW-programme, there are countless interesting stories to be told. But what is the best way to do this? ‘To help figure this out, I’m working with everyone who is involved with Partners for Water, which is a lot of fun. The past year we’ve taken important steps in improving PfW communications. We’ve increased our online presence and participated in more events. In 2024 we’ll keep building traction with a new website, corporate videos and inspiring content.’

‘Of course, expanding the Partners for Water network is also a big part of what we’re about. That’s why we’re constantly working on getting the right people to meet each other. Events play a big role in this. In 2024 there will be conferences on water tech and water management in Singapore and Indonesia, which we’ll attend. We’re also organising our own event, called Waterproof.’

Aiming for commitment

One of the goals with the events we’re involved in, is to get concrete and to try to agree on action right there at the event itself. We want to do more than just shake hands; we want change. That’s why we actively seek commitment on topics like Nature-based Solutions (NBS), biodiversity and social inclusion. An example of this is the Coalition on Nature-based Solutions launched at the United Nations Conference on Water in New York in March 2023. It is a powerful alliance to create a breakthrough in the implementation of NBS for water-related challenges.’

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“Colombia’s current challenges in water and climate demand innovative solutions.” It’s an endeavour that many water professionals attending the Colombia Platform meeting on Thursday, 7 December are eagerly undertaking.

Over 45 individuals from public and private organisations, knowledge institutions and NGOs gathered in The Hague to discuss the bilateral collaboration between the Netherlands and Colombia, forge new connections and discover the various business opportunities the Colombian water and climate sector has to offer.

“I’m so pleased to see you all here today,” began Barbara Swart, Delta coordinator from the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, as she initiated the meeting. “Together, we’ll discuss the ongoing collaboration between Colombia and the Netherlands, share valuable insights on successful practices and explore new market opportunities within Colombia’s water and climate sector.”

Bilateral collaboration

The delta collaboration between the Netherlands and Colombia has been facilitated through various instruments of the Dutch government, such as Water as Leverage (WaL), BlueDeal and Partners for Water (PfW). Key components in these cooperations include promoting local ownership, co-creating with stakeholders and collaborations with the local public and private sectors. The ‘Water as Leverage Cartagena – Construyendo con el agua’ programme illustrates this aptly. PfW Programme Advisor Robert Proos enthusiastically explains: “WaL Cartagena aims to develop sustainable, integral solutions for water adaptation and climate adaptation in Cartagena. This is carried out by two multidisciplinary teams and in partnership with local and international stakeholders. WaL Cartagena can also be an interesting launching pad for other water security innovations, so it’s a worthwhile exploration for the Dutch water sector.”

Blue Deal Programme in Colombia

“We aim to enhance the implementation power of solutions that improve water security in Colombia,” explained Ellen Bollen-Weide from the Dutch Water Authorities while introducing InspirAgua Colombia, a component of the Blue Deal Programme. This initiative, a collaborative effort by the Dutch Water Authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Water and Infrastructure of the Netherlands, strives to provide access to sufficient, clean and safe water for 20 million people globally.

Partners for Water subsidy scheme

Another initiative enhancing water security in Colombia is the ASR4WS project, co-funded by Partners for Water. Marta Faneca Sànchez, a hydrogeologist at Deltares, enthusiastically elaborated on the feasibility study her team conducted on six banana plantations in Colombia’s Magdalena Delta. “During the dry season, the local rivers experience freshwater scarcity, which leads to the salinization of groundwater and soil, loss of biodiversity and conflicts among water users. With Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) technology, we aim to address these challenges by storing fresh water during the rainy season that can be utilized during the dry period,” she explained.

Sànchez noted that the Partners for Water subsidy supported the project not only by providing funds but also by establishing vital connections with local stakeholders and partners, and it has been crucial for the project’s continuation. “The study reveals promising potential for adapting an existing well into an ASR system. To validate these findings, a pilot project will be conducted on one of the farms, with continued financial support from Partners for Water.”

Obtain funding through the Partners for Water subsidy scheme

Do you want to know if your project is also eligible for the Partners for Water subsidy scheme? Projects with innovations in the field of WASH, water quality & availability, water & climate, water & biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and water infrastructure can apply for the subsidy from 19 January until 16 February 2024.

Market opportunities

“Colombia is taking big steps towards treating 100% of its wastewater and providing drinking water to an additional 3 million Colombians by 2030,” said Wessel Mol from the bilateral chamber ‘Holland House Colombia’. Speaking from his office in Bogotá, Mol shared his excitement about the numerous opportunities for the B2B market across various regions in Colombia. The most significant ones are highlighted below:

Significant opportunities in various Colombian cities:

• Cartagena: improvement of drinking water and sewerage coverage in rural areas, equipment needs for the new treatment plant El Cerro, IT tools for storage and distribution of water.
• Santa Marta: drinking water and sewerage coverage, and rainwater capture.
• Bogotá: wastewater treatment
• Cúcuta, Neiva and Duitama: wastewater treatment systems

A promising water and climate sector

As this fruitful meeting ended, Swart concluded with a hopeful summary: “Today we’ve recognized that working at the regional level is just as important as collaborating at the institutional level, and I believe we can all agree there are numerous opportunities within Colombia’s water and climate sector. The current challenges require innovative solutions, and I am confident that you have the products and expertise necessary to enhance water security in this promising delta country.”