Fostering Sustainable Water Management Practices for a Brighter Future
Dr. Sajid Pareeth gives his remarks
Water Productivity Improvement in Practice (WaterPIP) Knowledge & Action Network (KAN) project partners drawn from Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Niger, and India convened at JKUAT, June 6, 2023 for the commencement of the third phase funded under the Water Development Partnership Programme (WDPP).
WaterPIP-KAN, a collaborative effort between academia, government agencies, grassroots organizations, and the private sector, aims to foster social inclusivity and ecologically sustainable water management practices.
By supporting and catalyzing meaningful change, the program envisions a future where society safeguards, utilizes, and shares water sources in ways that contribute to broader goals of justice, peace, safety, and well-being for all.
The Project Lead, Dr. Sajid Pareeth, highlighted the programmme’s vision during the event. He emphasized the importance of creating a society that recognizes the value of water and works collectively to protect it.
The senior Lecturer at the IHE Institute for Water Education Delft, Netherlands underscored the programme’s commitment to bolstering capacities in low and middle-income countries, especially to the end users through collaborative efforts in research, education, and knowledge-sharing activities pertaining to water.
Dr. Charles Kabubo reads the Vice Chancellor’s speech during the meeting
While assuring the programme of the University’s support, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of the programme, highlighting its focus on catalyzing agricultural water management through the utilization of digital tools.
“This will be key in democratizing digital data, as we recognize its pivotal role in decision making and policy formulation thus ensuring global food security,” said Prof. Ngumi in a Speech read by Dean, School of Civil, Environmental and Geospatial Engineering, Dr. Eng. Charles Kabubo.
Supported by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS) the third phase of the Programme, introduces several key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to build upon existing networking initiatives established through knowledge hubs and service centers. These hubs serve as essential platforms for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By leveraging these networks, WaterPIP-KAN aims to strengthen the collective knowledge base and promote joint efforts towards sustainable water management.
In addition, the project aims to assess the technology readiness and actual needs of digital tools among small-scale farmers. Understanding their requirements will enable the co-design and development of appropriate digital solutions tailored to their specific challenges.
Furthermore, WaterPIP-KAN intends to enhance and enable a network of knowledge and action in the Global South, with a particular focus on multiple regions in Africa. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders, the program aims to overcome barriers and facilitate effective water management practices in these regions.
Dr. Mercy Mwaniki, Chair of the JKUAT Knowledge Hub under the programme, said through this expansion of knowledge, a broad range of water sector organizations will gain the expertise and experiences necessary to fulfill their roles effectively.
A cross-section of the participants following proceedings during the meeting
The meeting reached a consensus that as the third phase of the Water and Development Partnership Programme commences, the collaboration between knowledge partners from various countries is set to pave the way for positive change in water management practices.
“With a shared vision and commitment to sustainability, these partners are poised to make a significant impact, ensuring a brighter future where water resources are protected, shared, and utilized for the well-being of all,” said Dr. Marloes Mul from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.
Fostering Sustainable Water Management Practices for a Brighter Future
