In April 2026, Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers and Dr. Pınar Pamukçu Albers from the Ecohydrology and Water Resource Management research group at the University of Bonn conducted two participatory stakeholder workshops in Oshakati, Namibia, and Santa Clara, Angola. The workshops, held within the framework of the Co-HYDIM-SA project under the "Water Security in Africa" (WASA) program in collaboration with the Cuvelai Watercourse Commission (CUVECOM), brought together local experts, practitioners, and community representatives to jointly assess drought and flood risks in the Cuvelai-Cunene catchment areas.
Southern Africa is increasingly affected by climate variability, 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 socioeconomic changes further exacerbate these risks. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that combine scientific data with local knowledge and the perspectives of relevant stakeholders.
Therefore, targeted information on weather and climate – and above all, reliable forecasts of potential flood and drought events – are of paramount importance. This is the central goal of the Co-Hydim-SA project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Research and Culture (BMBFTR) for four years. An information and early warning system with seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasts is being developed by the international consortium. However, accurate forecasts are not the only crucial factor for these information systems; the type of information and the format in which it is provided are also essential for preparing for extreme events and ensuring the most sustainable water management possible for the people in the region.
This was precisely the topic 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 contributed to the identification, discussion, and prioritization of indicators related to hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. This process ensures that the assessment reflects local conditions, needs, and decision-making processes.
While the workshop in Oshakati focused on challenges related to recurring floods and drainage infrastructure, the workshop in Santa Clara highlighted the impacts of droughts, the vulnerability of livelihoods, and the importance of water management. At both locations, participants emphasized the need for improved early warning systems, better access to data, and stronger institutional coordination. The workshop in Angola also included a field trip to Ondjiva to visit and discuss flood control measures and infrastructure implemented there to mitigate the effects of flooding.
The results of these workshops contribute directly to the joint development of the hydro-meteorological early warning and information system CUVEWIS, which aims 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 practically relevant.
With these workshops, the Co-HYDIM-SA project is taking an important step towards developing implementable, locally rooted strategies for sustainable water management in southern Africa, thus contributing to overarching regional and global efforts in the field of climate adaptation and water security.
