Protecting water as a scarce resource in southern Africa

Context

Southern Africa is adversely affected by water shortages and an uneven distribution of water resources. Most of the water comes from transboundary rivers, so one country’s water use often has a negative impact in neighbouring countries. Ensuring water security in the region requires effective protection of the river basins.

Certain land use methods, a growing population and insufficient income opportunities are resulting in overgrazing and erosion, with serious consequences for pastures, cultivated areas and wetlands.

Objective

Transboundary water resources in the SADC region, particularly in the Orange-Senqu River basin, are protected and utilised in an environmentally friendly manner through concepts for the integrated river basin managements.

Approach

The project supports SADC in implementing policy measures, strategies, guidelines and instruments for improved cooperation on transboundary water resources.

The project:

• Promotes political foundations
• Supports institutions
• Assists implementation in selected river basins and SADC member states
• Promotes dialogue between member states on transboundary water resource management

A focus is put on a comprehensive national programme on integrated catchment management (ICM), with co-financing from the European Union worth EUR 27.5 million.

Lesotho is considered the ‘water tower’ of southern Africa. All of the country's water-related issues and measures have a direct impact downstream in the Orange-Senqu River basin. Actors in Lesotho are learning from experience gained in the region and can thus contribute to the regional agenda.

Last update: June 2025