Recent Projects

The project focused on understanding the challenges and adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers during drought periods in South Africa, focusing on the Limpopo and Western Cape provinces. Despite government efforts to address resource inequality since 1994, sustainable development for these farmers has been limited. The project aimed to assess the characteristics and livelihood strategies of smallholder farmers, explore their coping mechanisms during drought, and evaluate the support provided to them.

The specific objectives of the research were to:

• Assess smallholder farmer characteristics and livelihood strategies in rural parts of the Limpopo and Western Cape provinces.
• Explore the coping and adaptation strategies for agricultural water use adopted by smallholder farmers during drought periods.
• Explore smallholder farmers’ coping with and adaptation to drought in crop farming and livestock systems in the Limpopo and Western Cape provinces.

Author: Bongani Ncube

Funder: Water Research Commission

WRC Report No. 2716/1/20
ISBN 978-0-6392-0204-4
November 2020

This project addressed the pressing challenge of managing water resources in the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area (BGWMA) amid the pressures of urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth. The research focused on developing an integrated catchment risk assessment (ICRA) framework to evaluate and mitigate the impacts of pollutants on water quality, particularly in the Overberg West sub-catchment. By combining environmental hazard assessments, pollutant transport modelling, and risk management strategies, the project aimed to inform decision-making and policy development for water resource quality monitoring and protection in the region.

Authors: Delcarme, B.A., Daries, L.M., Natus, M., Mpokopi, A. & Mkuyana, B

Funder: Water Research Commission

WRC Report No. TT 739/17
ISBN 978-1-4312-0947-7
January 2018

This project investigated the challenges black emerging farmers face in accessing water for productive use in the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Area (BGCMA) in South Africa. Despite the National Water Act’s (1998) intention to redress past injustices and ensure equitable water allocation, the complex legal and bureaucratic landscape still favours established commercial farmers. The study highlighted the struggles of historically disadvantaged groups, analysing the role of bureaucracy and legislative barriers that hinder water reform. It aimed to contribute to more effective water governance and equitable resource distribution, particularly for marginalised farmers.

Author: Sandra E. Williams

Funder: Water Research Commission

WRC Report No. 2530/1/18
ISBN 978-0-6392-0025-5
September 2018

The project addressed the persistent challenges emerging farmers face, particularly historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs), in accessing water resources within the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA) region in South Africa. Despite the National Water Act of 1998 and subsequent water allocation reforms aimed at ensuring equitable water distribution, these farmers still struggle with limited access and participation in water user associations (WUAs). The research investigated the reasons behind this lag, the challenges encountered by the BGCMA in engaging these farmers, and the effectiveness of current strategies. The primary objectives include assessing the progress of water access for emerging farmers, understanding their roles and difficulties within WUAs, and identifying better engagement methods. Through case studies and direct engagement with local communities, the project aimed to develop a comprehensive approach to enhance the involvement of emerging farmers in water management processes, ensuring they are treated as active and equal partners in the reallocation of water resources.

Author: Bongani Ncube

Funder: Water Research Commission

WRC Report No. 2310/1/17
ISBN 978-1-4312-0944-6
January 2018

In 2016, the Water Research Commission initiated a project focused on developing coping and adaptation strategies for agricultural water use during droughts in South Africa. The project aimed to comprehensively review drought knowledge, management practices, and response strategies across South Africa’s nine provinces. This included assessing the effectiveness of Early Warning Systems, Climate Advisory Services, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The study also sought to identify successful drought coping and adaptation strategies in various agricultural systems, including dryland cropping, irrigation, and livestock management, drawing lessons from within South Africa and other regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. The project was motivated by the severe drought experienced in the country, which highlighted the vulnerability of the agricultural sector, a major consumer of freshwater resources. The drought exposed the lack of a unified national response strategy, with disparate and outdated drought plans across provinces.

Author: Bongani Ncube

Funder: Water Research Commission

WRC Report No. KV 363/17
ISBN 978-1-4312-0925-5
May 2017

Volume 2: Investigation into institutional and social factors influencing public acceptance of reclaimed water for potable uses in South Africa.

This project focused on addressing the global challenge of freshwater scarcity exacerbated by human activities like overexploitation. As traditional water resources become limited, reclaiming wastewater is increasingly viewed as a viable solution to meet urban water demands and reduce environmental pollution. However, public resistance, primarily driven by negative perceptions and safety concerns, poses significant challenges to the implementation of water reclamation for potable use.

The project aimed to investigate the key factors influencing public acceptance of reclaimed water and developed strategies to improve public engagement and information sharing. The objectives were:

1. To document international and local knowledged on reclaimed water, its societal and economic implications, and the regulations governing its use.
2. Explore conditions that facilitate the adoption of reclaimed water for potable purposes.
3. Analyse the factors influencing public decisions regarding reclaimed water.
4. Assess the major factors affecting public attitudes towards reclaimed water.
5. Create strategies to positively influence public opinion on reclaimed water.
6. Develop a framework to guide institutions in addressing public perceptions and introducing reclaimed water.
7. Develop tools to help planners and water utilities predict public behaviour towards water reclamation schemes.

Authors: C. Muanda, D. Cousin, A. Lagardien, G. Owen and J. Goldin

Funder: Water Research Commission.

WRC Report No. TT 734/17.
ISBN 978-1-4312-0928-6
November 2017

Volume 3: Framework guidelines for public engagement on water reuse

This project addressed the increasing need for alternative water resources, focusing on the reclamation of wastewater for potable use in the face of rapid urbanisation and water stress. The research revealed that public acceptance of reclaimed water hinges on building trust between municipalities and the public.

To facilitate this, a comprehensive guideline was developed to tackle public resistance by addressing knowledge gaps and fostering engagement at different stages of the water reclamation process. The guideline aims to:

1. Enhance public knowledge by educating the public about water scarcity, conservation, and the benefits of reclaimed water.
2. Address safety concerns by reassuring the public about the safety and quality of reclaimed water through transparent communication and demonstration of treatment processes.
3. Establish trust in municipal capabilities through regular monitoring, transparent reporting, and public engagement.
4. Adapt to local contexts through customising public engagement strategies to the specific needs and conditions of each municipal environment.

By following this guideline, municipalities can gradually shift public perception from resistance to acceptance, ultimately promoting the use of reclaimed water to meet growing water demands.

Author: C. Muanda, D. Cousin and A. Lagardien

Funder: Water Research Commission

WRC Project No. TT 735/17
ISBN 978-1-4312-0929-3
November 2017