In April 2026, Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers and Dr. Pınar Pamukçu Albers from the Ecohydrology and Water Resources Management Research Group at the University of Bonn conducted two participatory stakeholder workshops in Oshakati, Namibia and Santa Clara, Angola. The workshops were held as part of the Co-HYDIM-SA project under the Water Security in Africa (WASA) Programme, in collaboration with the Cuvelai Watercourse Commission (CUVECOM), and brought together local experts, practitioners, and community representatives to jointly assess drought and flood risks in the Cuvelai–Cunene River Basins.
Southern Africa is increasingly affected by climate variability and extremes, with recurring droughts and floods posing significant challenges to water security, food systems and livelihoods. In the Cuvelai–Cunene region, highly variable rainfall, ephemeral river systems (Iishana) and rapid socio-economic changes further exacerbate these risks. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that combine scientific data with local knowledge and the perspectives of relevant stakeholders.
Targeted information on weather and climate – and, above all, reliable forecasts of potential flood and drought events – is therefore of the utmost importance. This is the central objective of the Co-Hydim-SA project, which is funded by the German Ministry for Research (BMFTR) for four years. An information and early warning system with seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasts is being developed by the international consortium. However, when it comes to information systems, it is not just accurate forecasts that matter; the type of information and the format in which it is provided are also crucial for preparing for extremes and ensuring the most sustainable water management possible for the people in the region.
This was precisely the theme and objective of two workshops held in the transnational catchment area of the Cunene-Cuvelai river system in Angola and Namibia. The workshops formed a central component of a participatory multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for risk assessment. Participants actively engaged in identifying, discussing and prioritising indicators in the areas of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. This process ensures that the assessment reflects local conditions, needs and decision-making processes.
Whilst the workshop in Oshakati focused on challenges related to recurrent flooding and drainage infrastructure, the workshop in Santa Clara highlighted in particular the impacts of droughts, the sensitivity of livelihoods and the importance of water management. At both locations, participants emphasised the need for improved early warning systems, better access to data and stronger institutional coordination. As part of the workshop in Angola, an excursion was also organised to Ondjiva to view and discuss flood protection measures and infrastructure implemented locally to mitigate the consequences of flooding.
The results of these workshops contribute directly to the joint development of the CUVEWIS hydro-meteorological early warning and information system, which is designed to support climate-resilient water governance in the region. By integrating spatial data, local knowledge and the priorities of relevant stakeholders, the project is developing tools that are both scientifically sound and practical.
With these workshops, the Co-HYDIM-SA project is taking an important step towards developing actionable, locally rooted strategies for sustainable water management in southern Africa, thereby contributing to broader regional and global efforts in the field of climate adaptation and water security.
