Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Pathways (CMAP)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/140563

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Unveiling the Potential: is the private sector poised to revolutionize the solar irrigation market in Ethiopia?
(Journal Article, 2025-05) Adamseged, Muluken Elias; Abegaz, Dagmawi Melaku; Minh, Thai Thi
The significance of small-scale solar irrigation is well documented. However, the understanding of its adoption and scaling remains to be seen. Using solar-powered pump technology in Ethiopia as a case study, we aim to investigate the factors influencing technology adoption and the private sector's emergence to take over the market. We used a systemic perspective to analyze the multifaceted aspects influencing the enabling environment. This study shows that actors' engagement in promoting solar irrigation technologies has converged. In particular, the growing and continuous engagement of the private sector with other key stakeholders plays a significant role. These have improved users’ awareness of solar irrigation over the years. However, perceived risk, cost barriers, financial constraints, and pre-and post-sales services remain hindering factors. The findings show that policy initiatives and the private sector's growth can create enabling environments. However, challenges related to limited technology availability, financial constraints, and policy implementation hurdles can impede the process. Addressing these challenges can create an environment that enables the adoption and scaling of solar-powered pumps and private-sector investments in Ethiopia’s irrigation innovations.
Unpacking innovation demands for climate-resilient mixed farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case of northern Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Ofosu, Abena; Minh, Thai Thi; Birhanu, Birhanu Zemadim
According to the United Nations (n.d.), climate change is the long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns due to natural changes, such as the sun’s activity and significant volcanic eruptions, or human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The effects of and challenges caused by climate change on farmers’ ability to manage mixed farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa are well documented in the literature. However, the synergies among mixed farming systems’ components and farmers’ innovation demands and responses to climate change impacts remain fragmented. Using a case of mixed crop-livestock-tree (MCLT) systems in northern Ghana, this paper examined farmers’ responses, their innovation needs, and how these innovations can be catalyzed to enable more farmers to adopt similar climate change adaptations. Our findings show that climate change impacts mixed farming systems in several domains, with these impacts being more visible in some domains. Significant productivity declines are observed in crops, livestock, and the whole mixed farming system. Productivity declines lead to decreased incomes, food availability, and household food security. Female farmers’ access to production factors, resource management, and market participation is reduced. Farmers make technical, managerial, and business changes in response to climate change impacts. Such changes are dominated by technical changes, including using highyielding, disease-resistant, and early-maturing crop varieties, crop and animal pest and disease management, agricultural water and land management, and wind and bush fire control. Interconnections between the MCLT system components include cross-component investments, additional income generation, animal feeding and healthcare improvement, nutrition exchanges, and family nutrition improvement. These interconnections generate income and cash flow and support food and nutrition security, enabling farmers’ adaptation. Climate-resilient innovation bundles to enable farmers’ adaptation include good agricultural practices, circular farming techniques, irrigation packages, information services, and value-chain linkages. Scaling climate-resilient innovations in northern Ghana and other sub-Saharan African contexts require multiple pathways, including innovation platforms, innovation bundling, multi-actor partnerships, inclusive finance, and multistakeholder dialogues to support farmers’ adaptation to climate change.
Implications of changes in water stress and precipitation extremes for cocoa production in Côte D’Ivoire and Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Obahoundje, Salomon; Akpoti, Komlavi; Zwart, Sander J.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke
Climate change induces high variability in drought patterns and extreme precipitation indices in rainfed cocoa farming, impacting cocoa production. This study evaluated water stress, meteorological and agricultural drought conditions, and critical extreme precipitation indices in the world's two largest cocoa-producing nations from 1981 to 2022. The results revealed a significant reduction in total annual precipitation (PRCPTOT), in the last three decades, with the greatest decline in the 1991–2000 and 2011–2022 periods. Ghana experienced the most significant reduction up to 15% (200mm/year) in the last decade, attributed to a substantial decrease in wet days number (RR1) up to 25days per year, a reduction in maximum consecutive wet days (CWD) up to 6days per year, and an increase in maximum consecutive dry days (CDD) up to 15days per year. Moreover, there was a notable decline in the Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII), with reductions of up to 4mm/day in certain areas, contributing to increased drought frequency, severity, and duration. In the most recent decade (2011–2022), particularly during the extremely dry years of 2013 and 2015, cocoa-growing regions in Ghana (GHA) and eastern Côte d'Ivoire (CIV) experienced prolonged agricultural drought expressed by soil moisture deficit, typically extending from May to September. Additionally, large portions of central and eastern Ghana, as well as northeastern Côte d'Ivoire experienced sustained water stress, with over three consecutive months of total monthly precipitation falling below 100mm, negatively impacting cocoa productivity. The decrease in the yield in the range of 2.5% to 37% was noted in the dry years and the following years, varying according to the country depending on the severity of the drought. Sensitivity analysis highlights cocoa yield's responsiveness to drought and water stress, particularly in specific years when water stress occurred, such as 1984,1985, 1989, 1995, 1999, 2000, and 2008. Considering the observed trends in precipitation patterns and their impact on cocoa production, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty of future precipitation patterns due to climate change. To address this challenge effectively, our study underscores the importance of identifying and closely monitoring regions currently facing water stress, as determined by precipitation and drought indicators. Over the analysed period (1981–2022), we have noted shifts in the distribution of water-stressed areas, highlighting the dynamic nature of this issue. Consequently, we advocate for a targeted approach to implement cocoa supplementary irrigation in consistently water-stressed regions.
Cereal yield and water requirements in response to irrigation and soil fertility management in a changing climate: a case of Tulsipur, western Nepal
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Zuber, Md.; Kalauni, N.; Shrestha, Nirman; Pandey, V. P.; Pokharel, B.
Climate change is projected to notably impact water requirements and crop yield; therefore, it is imperative to quantify climate risk and devise climate-resilient field management practices. This study applied the AquaCrop model to Tulsipur, a sub-metropolitan city located in Western Nepal. The model was calibrated and validated on a field scale, and various scenarios were analysed for baseline (2010–2020) and future (2021–2100) periods to formulate workable management strategies for irrigation and fertilizer applications. Results showed that a deficit irrigation strategy could lead to 81% fewer requirements for irrigation in rice and 24% in wheat at the cost of a minimal (~1%) reduction in yield. Water requirement is projected to decrease and crop yield to increase for both crops for all future scenarios, except wheat water requirement, where water requirement is projected to increase by up to 13% in the future. Rainfed irrigation leads to extremely high variance in crop yields. Deficit irrigation under the nationally recommended fertilizer dose is recommended as a better option to develop climate resiliency in cereal yield in the study area.
Impacts of urbanization on land use change and its incidences on the climate: case of Bingerville City (Ivory Coast, West Africa)
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Traore, K. S.; Obahoundje, Salomon; Hauhouot, A. C.; Diedhiou, A.
This study aimed to assess the impact of urbanization on land use dynamics and its consequences on the local climate of the town of Bingerville for the period from 1990 to 2020. Land cover classification was based on Landsat data for the years 1990, 2000, 2015, and 2020 in order to perform a diachronic analysis of surface conditions. Precipitation and temperature data were used to assess local climate trends. A number of extreme precipitation indices (PRCPTOT, RR1, SDII, CWD, CDD, R95p, and R99p) and temperature indices (TN10p, TN90p, TX10p, TX90p, and WSDI) were calculated. The results show a sharp increase in the built-up area from 1990 to 2020, with 32.11 km² (29.68% per year), compared with forest or crops, i.e., 19.09 km² (0.62% per year), and scrubland or fallow land, i.e., 13.21 km²(1.39% per year). However, extreme precipitation indices such as annual precipitation (PRCPTOT), rainy days (RR1), consecutive rainy days (CWD), and extremely rainy days (R99p) have increased from 2011 to 2020. In addition, buildings are correlated with RR1 and CWD. This could be one of the key factors contributing to the occurrence of flooding in the town of Bingerville, which is probably linked to urbanization. As for extreme temperature indices, most show a statistically insignificant trend, except for cold days (TX10p) and hot days (TX90p), which have a statistically significant trend of 0.004 and 0.018, respectively. This means that there have been changes in these two indices. Consecutive hot days (WSDI) and TX90p increased from 2010 to 2016, and buildings also correlated with these two indices. Consequently, changes in land use could have an influence on local temperature through the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. However, uncontrolled urbanization has an impact on the local climate. The town authorities need to be aware of this, and be rigorous in this area, to avoid future disasters in Bingerville.
Irrigated vegetable production interventions in humanitarian emergencies: Mali country deep dive
(Report, 2024-12-30) Singh, Radhika; Minh, Thai Thi; Schmitter, Petra
In the context of Mali, a Sahelian country facing challenges of insecurity, political instability, and climate change, irrigated vegetable production (IVP) interventions have the potential to enhance resilience outcomes and reduce the vulnerabilities of households and communities by increasing incomes and improving nutritional outcomes. The recommendations for IVP interventions presented in this document are informed by an understanding of the complex sociopolitical landscape of Mali and address both challenges and opportunities. For this study, a comprehensive research process was undertaken involving 19 key informant interviews with humanitarian organizations working in the country. These interviews were supplemented with insights from a wide range of secondary sources including journal articles and project reports. A rigorous approach was adopted to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings and recommendations. The key recommendations presented here have been carefully crafted to improve the design and implementation of IVP interventions undertaken by humanitarian organizations in emergency contexts in Mali. These recommendations align with the SEADS (Standards for Supporting Crop-related Livelihoods in Emergencies) minimum standards and are intended to complement the SEADS guidance on tools, equipment, and other non-seed inputs as well as impact monitoring and evaluation, thus providing an assurance of quality and relevance. First, it is important to ensure that the design, planning, and implementation of IVP interventions are contextually relevant while being focused on the unique needs of vulnerable communities. Interventions should be designed to address land access issues, especially for women and internally displaced persons. Security levels (safety risks, political instability, and conflict) should be considered when choosing water-lifting technologies, and interventions must be informed by a gender-sensitive approach. Second, mobilizing resources and investments is crucial to complement funding shortages for IVP interventions. This can involve measures like promoting space-efficient vertical gardening, supporting domestic vegetable production to procure less expensive and more suitable seeds for local conditions, and strengthening IVP value chains by linking farmers with local seed suppliers. Third, strengthening organizational capacity for resilience and long-term learning is recommended to enhance the delivery of impactful emergency assistance. This includes adopting a systems approach that considers the socioeconomic and environmental context of the intended intervention and sharing findings among humanitarian actors to foster a learning culture. Finally, improving data and knowledge management is advised for impactful IVP interventions. This could involve housing all groundwater data within an NGO, promoting the ongoing mapping of suitable irrigation technologies, and ensuring that data is freely accessible to all organizations involved in agricultural interventions. These recommendations offer a roadmap for humanitarian organizations, donors, and policymakers who aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of IVP interventions in emergency contexts within Mali. They provide a framework for engaging with existing policies and governance structures and contribute to creating an enabling environment for effective interventions.
Making water pivotal in the design of food systems
(Journal Article, 2024-12) Hellegers, P.; Schmitter, Petra; Talbi, A.; van Iwaarden, C.
Water plays a crucial role in our food systems and food security. However, the essential role of water for a functioning food system and the impacts of food systems on water availability and quality have not yet been adequately recognized. Due to a lack of coordination among water and food systems actors, there are siloed water, food security, and nutrition strategies. This paper presents the case to make water pivotal in designing food systems, laying out action perspectives for different actors to move toward what we call “water-responsible food systems”. This paper is based on input from many participants during workshops and existing literature. A food systems approach provides an excellent entry point to link food with water considering climate change and energy. Moreover, collective and cross-cutting actions between actors in food systems are essential to make decisive progress, as well as a common language and insight into the trade-offs of the multiple values of water for a clear prioritization of water use and allocation.
Developing a water budget for the Amman-Zarqa Basin using Water Accounting Plus and the pixel-based soil water balance model
(Journal Article, 2024-12) Amdar, Nafn; Seyoum, S.; Al-Bakri, J.; Rutten, M.; Jewitt, G.; Mul, M.
Water resources assessments are essential for effective planning in water-scarce regions such as Jordan. Such assessments require sufficient data in space and time. The WaPOR-based Water Accounting Plus (WA +) framework is relevant as it integrates remote sensing data and the Pixel-Based Soil Water Balance model to simulate a basin’s water balance. However, since it relies on remote sensing, this framework only tracks water consumption in irrigated agriculture and does not consider non-irrigation water use and its return flow. This paper modifies the WaPOR-based WA + framework to include non-irrigation manmade consumption and its return flows. The modified framework provides a more comprehensive water budget for the Amman-Zarqa (AZ) basin, presented in a modified WA + resource base sheet for 2018 through 2021. The results show that water availability in the AZ basin is highly responsive to precipitation changes. Average precipitation was approximately 926 Mm3/year between 2018 and 2020, corresponding to an average available water of 485 Mm3/year. However, a reduction in average precipitation by 28% in 2021 corresponded to a reduction in available water to 243 Mm3/year. Nevertheless, substantial groundwater outflows to neighbouring basins may indicate that available water is being overestimated. Manmade consumption increased by 18% from 2018 to 2021, and the total demand exceeded the available supply by 150%. This underscores the pressing need to investigate supply augmentation and conservation methods. Future studies could focus on improving the representation of groundwater dynamics in the modified framework by improving groundwater dynamics in PixSWAB and testing the modified framework with other remote sensing datasets.
Water Accounting Plus: limitations and opportunities for supporting integrated water resources management in the Middle East and North Africa
(Journal Article, 2024-11) Amdar, Nafn; Mul, M.; Al-Bakri, J.; Uhlenbrook, S.; Rutten, M.; Jewitt, G.
This research explores the limitations and opportunities of Water Accounting Plus (WA+) for addressing water management issues in the MENA, focusing on Jordan. A comprehensive literature review and interview-based analysis were conducted to identify prevalent water management issues and evaluate information used in decision-making and strategy appraisals. The findings suggest that WA+ can enhance the spatio-temporal coverage of water resource assessments, refine estimates of irrigation water consumption, and facilitate demand management. Quantifying recharge and surface runoff requires integrating WA+ with hydrological models. Addressing climate change’s impact on future water resources requires integrating climate change projections with WA+.
Use case report on scenarios of water availability and use in the Central Highland Ecoregions Foodscapes (CHEF) of Kenya
(Report, 2024-12-30) Owusu, Afua; Matheswaran, Karthikeyan; Velpuri, Naga M.; Magesa, R.; Schmitter, Petra
This report examines water availability and usage in Kenya’s Central Highland Ecoregions Foodscapes (CHEF), highlighting the role of data-driven tools in sustainable agricultural water management. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has developed the Scale Invariant Water Accounting Plus (SIWA+) framework and the Securing Water Use in Agriculture (SWAG) tool to address key water challenges. SIWA+ provides insights into water inflows, outflows, and consumption, aiding policymakers in mitigating water scarcity. SWAG assesses crop water requirements, helping identify water deficits and surpluses to optimize irrigation strategies. Findings reveal significant regional disparities in water availability and usage across the CHEF counties. While Kenya has an average utilizable flow of 21 km³ per year, that of CHEF counties range from 0.06 km³ in Kirinyaga to 1.9 km³ in Isiolo. Isiolo also faces the highest risk of water demand surpassing supply, with a basin closure fraction of 71%, whereas Nyandarua and Nakuru have the lowest risk at 54% and 55%, respectively. Rainfed agriculture dominates CHEF, covering 88% of the cropland, making the region highly susceptible to climate variability. In 2021, the CHEF region experienced a net water deficit of 255 million m³, alongside a 117 million m³ oversupply, highlighting opportunities for localized storage and redistribution to improve water resilience. Future analysis will explore crop-specific comparisons of blue and green water use as well as water oversupply and deficits. This will also incorporate climate change scenarios and land-use planning. The insights gained from this advanced analysis will support crop specific field/farm level water management strategies aimed at enhancing food security in the region.
Predicting turbidity dynamics in small reservoirs in Central Kenya using remote sensing and machine learning
(Journal Article, 2025-02) Steinbach, S.; Bartels, A.; Rienow, A.; Kuria, B. T.; Zwart, Sander Jaap; Nelson, A.
Small reservoirs are increasingly common across Africa. They provide decentralised access to water and support farmer-led irrigation, in addition to contributing towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. Water quality monitoring is essential to ensure the safe use of water and to understand the impact of the environment and land use on water quality. However, water quality in small reservoirs is often not monitored continuously, with the interlinkages between weather, land, and water remaining unknown. Turbidity is a prime indicator of water quality that can be assessed with remote sensing techniques. Here we modelled turbidity in 34 small reservoirs in central Kenya with Sentinel-2 data from 2017 to 2023 and predicted turbidity outcomes using primary and secondary Earth observation data, and machine learning. We found distinct monthly turbidity patterns. Random forest and gradient boosting models showed that annual turbidity outcomes depend on meteorological variables, topography, and land cover (R2 = 0.46 and 0.43 respectively), while longer-term turbidity was influenced more strongly by land management and land cover (R2 = 0.88 and 0.72 respectively). Our results suggest that shortand longer-term turbidity prediction can inform reservoir siting and management. However, inter-annual variability prediction could benefit from more knowledge of additional factors that may not be fully captured in commonly available geospatial data. This study contributes to the relatively small body of remote sensing-based research on water quality in small reservoirs and supports improved small-scale water management.
A framework for addressing the interconnectedness of early warning to action and finance to strengthen multiscale institutional responses to climate shocks and disasters
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Attoh, Emmanuel M. N. A. N.; Amarnath, Giriraj
Early warning systems (EWS) inform decision making and planning in response to climate shocks and catastrophic disasters. However, the current disaster response mechanism falls short due to the fragmented warning, action, and finance systems, coupled with inadequate institutional collaboration, coordination and inclusive engagement for effective anticipatory action. This study addresses this challenge by introducing an Early Warning, Action and Finance (AWARE) platform to promote anticipatory action through multistakeholder engagement. Data from literature re views, expert surveys, and stakeholder workshops in Senegal, Zambia and Sri Lanka helped identify the platform’s needs and priorities. The study draws upon theories of technological frames, interpretative flexibility, boundary objects, social learning, collaborative governance and adaptive co-management to conceptualize a framework for AWARE. Results demonstrate the potential of AWARE as a boundary object that fosters social engagement, active involvement, open communication, collaboration, and shared commitment to safeguarding lives and liveli hoods. Analysis of technological frames and interpretative flexibility underscores the role of social learning in shaping the design and user features that promote multiscale institutional responses to disasters. AWARE aligns with the priorities of the Sendai Framework and emphasizes system thinking, co-production of knowledge, and the need for context-specific solutions to enhance anticipatory action. Recognizing the limitations of one-size-fits-all EWS, the AWARE framework acknowledges contextual factors as barriers to implementation. The study underscores the importance of integrated EWS and collaborative efforts to overcome implementation barriers and improve anticipatory action outcomes.
New Information and Communication Technologies for climate services: evidence from farmers in Ada East District, Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Sarku, R.; Addi, F.; Attoh, Emmanuel M. N. A. N.
How people respond to climate information service (CIS) depends on how information is designed and communicated. While the introduction of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has improved the delivery of CIS, there are persistent usability challenges, especially among smallholder farmers. This study examined the usability of new ICTs in delivering CIS for farming in Ada East District, Ghana. The research addressed the question, how do smallholder farmers respond to CIS delivered through new ICTs, and what are the usability challenges of these technologies. Using data from document reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions, findings show that farmers predominantly rely on local or indigenous knowledge and traditional ICTs like radio and television for CIS, 7 New ICTs including: Website on weather information, Bulletin on social media: Facebook, WhatsApp weather forecast presented as a flyer, YouTube video on weather information, Short message service (SMS), Audio WhatsApp weather forecast and Weather apps were identified, providing daily, weekly and seasonal forecasts outlooks. However, the utilisation of these new ICTs is relatively limited. Only a few farmers were aware of the delivery of CIS through these new ICTs. Farmers with smartphones are mainly those who access daily and seasonal forecast outlooks using new ICTs, while face-to-face interactions remain the common mode for disseminating information among farmers. Although new ICTs offer forecasts, usability is influenced by the relevance and comprehension of the content, location success and time, typography, symbols and graphics, language clarity, feedback and interactivity and ability to use the new ICT tools. The findings of the study have implications for CIS developers and providers to incorporate design principles such as revision of text structure, font style and size, symbols, wording pattern and word counts. It shed light on the evolving landscape of CIS delivery in farming communities, where traditional methods coexist with emerging digital platforms and provided knowledge on the need to raise awareness on the use of new ICTs with CIS among farmers.
Irrigated vegetable production interventions in humanitarian emergencies: Ethiopia country deep dive
(Report, 2024-12-30) Singh, Radhika; Minh, Thai Thi; Schmitter, Petra
Ethiopia is grappling with escalating humanitarian crises, including conflict-induced displacement and climate-related emergencies, and therefore mounting humanitarian needs. However, amidst these challenges, there is hope in the form of irrigated vegetable production (IVP) interventions, which have the potential to significantly decrease household vulnerability and build resilience to future shocks and stresses. Most importantly, these interventions aim to empower households by helping them generate additional income and improve their nutrition. For this study, 20 key informant interviews were conducted with humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia to understand how they design and implement IVP interventions during emergencies. Data from these interviews were combined with insights from secondary sources, including journal articles and project reports, to identify critical challenges and opportunities for IVP in Ethiopia. Key recommendations from this study include improving design and implementation of IVP interventions by humanitarian organizations. The recommendations are aligned with the Standards for Establishing Seed Systems in Disaster Settings (SEADS) minimum standards and complement SEADS guidance on tools, equipment, and other non-seed inputs and advice on impact monitoring and evaluation. First, it is necessary that IVP design, planning, and implementation are contextually relevant. This involves aligning interventions with the preferences and needs of beneficiaries by conducting comprehensive assessments of their vulnerabilities and tailoring interventions to the dynamics of the food, land, and water systems affected by emergencies. Gender inclusion is also highlighted in the recommendations, with a focus on understanding the household- and community-level gender dynamics that play a role in selection of crops and technologies. Second, mobilization of resources and investments to address funding shortages is important. This entails leveraging existing market structures, partnering with private sector entities, and collaborating with research institutions and government agencies. Inclusive financial mechanisms are recommended to support the more vulnerable households. Third, it is imperative to strengthen organizational capacity for resilience and long-term learning. This includes building comprehensive needs analysis capacity, implementing holistic IVP interventions, and influencing the enabling environment. Developing intra-organizational learning and strong monitoring and evaluation systems is also suggested. Lastly, organizational learning should be improved through data and knowledge management. This involves integrating data from multiple sources into a single platform, ensuring quick and easy access to it, and establishing robust reporting systems. The formation of a community of practice (CoP) focused on IVP in Ethiopia is proposed as a mechanism for knowledge sharing, capacity building, research collaboration, and policy alignment. These recommendations offer a roadmap for humanitarian organizations, donors, and policymakers aiming to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of IVP interventions in emergency contexts within Ethiopia. They also provide a framework for engaging with existing policies and governance structures and creating an enabling environment for effective intervention.
Advancing climate-smart financial solutions for smallholder farmers: Lessons from the CGIAR Climate Resilience Initiative
(Brief, 2024-12-20) Timu, Anne G.; Laborte, Alice; Attoh, Emmanuel; Kikulwe, Enock; Kiundu, Paul; Guo, Zhe; Mayanja, Brian; Mbithi, Anthony; Sartas, Murat; Vyas, Shalika; You, Liangzhi
Smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries face climate-related risks that increase their income volatility and compromise their well-being. The CGIAR Initiative on Climate Resilience (ClimBeR) has developed and implemented a suite of innovative instruments aimed at transforming the climate adaptation capacity of smallholder farmers. This brief examines the potential of these bundled financial solutions in enhancing smallholder farmers' resilience to climate risks and documents ClimBeR's experience in implementing and scaling these instruments.
Strengthening food security and resilience through irrigated vegetable production in emergency settings: key issues and actions
(Brief, 2024-12-30) McTough, Mitchell; Minh, Thai Thi; Singh, Radhika; Schmitter, Petra S.
Low-cost sensors and multitemporal remote sensing for operational turbidity monitoring in an East African wetland environment
(Journal Article, 2024-03) Steinbach, S.; Rienow, A.; Chege, M. W.; Dedring, N.; Kipkemboi, W.; Thiong’o, B. K.; Zwart, Sander Jaap; Nelson, A.
Many wetlands in East Africa are farmed and wetland reservoirs are used for irrigation, livestock, and fishing. Water quality and agriculture have a mutual influence on each other. Turbidity is a principal indicator of water quality and can be used for, otherwise, unmonitored water sources. Low-cost turbidity sensors improve in situ coverage and enable community engagement. The availability of high spatial resolution satellite images from the Sentinel-2 multispectral instrument and of bio-optical models, such as the Case 2 Regional CoastColor (C2RCC) processor, has fostered turbidity modeling. However, these models need local adjustment, and the quality of low-cost sensor measurements is debated. We tested the combination of both technologies to monitor turbidity in small wetland reservoirs in Kenya. We sampled ten reservoirs with low-cost sensors and a turbidimeter during five Sentinel-2 overpasses. Low-cost sensor calibration resulted in an R2 of 0.71. The models using the C2RCC C2X-COMPLEX (C2XC) neural nets with turbidimeter measurements (R2 =0.83) and with low-cost measurements (R2 = 0.62) performed better than the turbidimeter-based C2X model. The C2XC models showed similar patterns for a one-year time series, particularly around the turbidity limit set by Kenyan authorities. This shows that both the data from the commercial turbidimeter and the low-cost sensor setup, despite sensor uncertainties, could be used to validate the applicability of C2RCC in the study area, select the better-performing neural nets, and adapt the model to the study site. We conclude that combined monitoring with low-cost sensors and remote sensing can support wetland and water management while strengthening community-centered approaches.
Impacts of climate extremes and land use land cover dynamics on water resources in West Africa
(Presentation, 2024-12-16) Obahoundje, Salomon
Why indicators matter for advancing the global goal on adaptation: the case of water and sanitation targets in the UAE-Belém work programme.
(Brief, 2024-11-25) Attoh, Emmanuel M. N. A. N.; Colombo, Chiara; Schmitter, Petra; Ravindranath, Darshini; Samarasekara, Vidhisha
The potential of Cambodia’s solar technology market to support farmer-led irrigation
(Opinion Piece, 2024-10-11) Minh, Thai Thi; Buntong, B.; Pavelic, Paul; Hin, L.; Flor, R. J.
Traditional irrigation systems in Cambodia, such as reservoirs, as well as river and canal systems, have limitations, leading to the emergence of farmer-led irrigation management. Meanwhile, solar irrigation has gained attention as a solution. However, challenges exist in matching demand with supply, as the solar irrigation market structure in Cambodia is monopolistic and limited in product choices. This article highlights the need for evidence-based targeting, stronger market demand-supply linkages, innovative marketing strategies and financing solutions to enable the uptake of solar irrigation and expand its potential benefits to farmers.

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