South Africa

South Africa’s landscapes range from savannas and grasslands to semi-arid deserts and coastal ecosystems. It faces environmental challenges such as water scarcity, particularly in the western and central regions, as well as air pollution, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. With the majority of South Africa’s land classified as arid or semi-arid, effective water management and sustainable land use is crucial for the country’s long-term environmental and economic stability.

IWMI in South Africa

IWMI has been actively involved in a range of impactful projects in South Africa. They address key issues such as climate resilience, digital innovation, gender equality, water governance, inclusive community participation in water planning, and sustainable resource management.

IWMI also works on integrating water, energy, and food systems, fostering cross-sectoral solutions to address resource scarcity and enhance sustainability. We support agricultural resilience by tackling the interconnected challenges of water scarcity and soil degradation. IWMI’s policy support initiatives provide data and insights to improve water management and agricultural outcomes.

Through the development of strategies to mitigate the risks of extreme weather events, IWMI ensures that communities and farmers are better equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change. Through these initiatives, IWMI is driving sustainable development and improving resource management in South Africa.

Country representative

Henry Roman

Henry Roman

Country Representative – South Africa

Projects in South Africa

Latest South Africa news

Citizen scientists take the lead in tracking Southern Africa’s transboundary river basin 

Local monitoring feeds near-real-time water data into the Limpopo Basin Digital Twin, supporting more informed, basin-wide decisions …

The climate crisis is a daily reality for many African communities

IWMI’s Decide Mabumbo reflects on how South Africa can use its G20 presidency to push for investments to improve the continent’s disaster preparedness …

IWMI’s debut at G20 highlights the need to drive data-informed water policy

As a member of the G20 Advisory Committee, IWMI is driving a renewed focus on water security, explains regional representative for Southern Africa Henry Roman …

Empowering women and young people in food, land and water systems

IWMI’s Seipati Mokhema and Everisto Mapedza share recommendations to overcome barriers faced by women and youth in South Africa’s food, water and land systems in the context of climate change …

Latest South Africa publications

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Journal Article

Two-dimensional modeling of nitrate transport in canola field under Moistube irrigation using HYDRUS 2D/3D

Frontiers Media SA | July 17th, 2025
Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Senzanje, A.; Mabhaudhi, T.
Open Access
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Journal Article

Exploring the significance of treated wastewater reuse in urban agriculture and resilient cities: a bibliometric analysis

IWA Publishing | June, 2025
Sei, L. K.; Belle, J.; Mshelia, Z.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel
Open Access
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Book Chapter

A systematic scoping review of irrigation development and agricultural water management in South Africa

Springer | April 13th, 2025
Mabhaudhi, T.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Taguta, C.; Kanda, E. K.; Nhamo, L.; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Open Access