Interfaces for integrated land/water resource management

Cooperating countries: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda and Austria

Coordinating institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Andreas Melcher, andreas.melcher@boku.ac.at

Partner institutions: Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia), Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute (Ethiopia), Debre Tabor University (Ethiopia), University Zambeze (Mozambique), University of Ouahigouya (Burkina Faso)

Associated cooperation: Egerton University (Kenya), Kyambogo University (Uganda), International Institutie of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

Project duration: 1 July 2021 - 30 June 2023

Budget: EUR 50.000

Abstract:
This project focuses on interface zones (buffer strips and trees/crops next/relatively‐close to streams/rivers/wetlands/lakes) by gathering evidence from literature, experimental sites and pilot studies in different catchments in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Burkina Faso. To restore and sustain the health of crucial natural habitats and ecosystems, knowledge of functioning ecosystem services needs to be improved and applied. This network programme will look at all aspects of catchment management, in relation to climate change and socio ‐ecology. The specific focus will be on land‐water interfaces for climate change relevant activities that contribute to a serious erosion reduction, an increase of carbon sequestration, water infiltration, water holding capacity, and ground water level, to cope with drought and floods, plus N and P management to increase water quality for human consumption, ecosystem integrity and fish production. Gender and diversity will be integrated as a cross cutting issue, especially in terms of:

1. agriculture and gender adaption capacity,
2. forestry and biodiversity, and
3. water quality and ecological integrity of inland waters.

Increasing uncertainty owing to global change mandates that we improve methods to generate knowledge about what trends and mechanisms underlie the qualities of socio‐ecosystems that sustain a better world. To monitor impacts, the SDGs offer potential targets and indicators for assessing progress toward achieving the Agenda in 2030. Five pilot projects, represented by our Africa‐UniNet partners, will provide the practical material for catchment management using ecosystem‐based approaches and naturebased solutions. How this global change relevant activities can be managed and established at catchment level will be discussed based on other projects handed in to this call by African partners. This will expand the international and geographical perspective while increasing the knowledge base.

Summary:

The Integrated Land and Water Resources Management in Africa (ILWA) project focused on the critical interface zones between land and water (buffer strips, agroforestry systems, and wetlands) to enhance climate resilience and ecosystem integrity. The project gathered evidence from literature, experimental sites, and pilot studies conducted across catchments in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso. ILWA synthesized insights into sustainable catchment management through a transdisciplinary approach, linking local knowledge with scientific methods to inform evidence-based decision-making. The project aimed to restore and sustain the health of land/water interfaces by improving the understanding and application of ecosystem services. The network addressed the land-water interface as a key component of climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in reducing erosion, increasing carbon sequestration, improving water infiltration and retention, and managing nutrients (N and P) to enhance water quality for human consumption, aquatic ecosystems, and fish production. 

To achieve these goals, five pilot projects were established in collaboration with Africa-UniNet partners, 
exploring: 

1. Gender-Specific Adaptive Capacity on Climate Change and Food Security – Catchment-based agroforestry 
   systems.
2. Woody Plant-Based Restoration in the Upper Catchment of Lake Tana.
3. Strengthening Research and Adaptive Management of Buffer Zones in the Lake Tana catchment.
4. Strengthening Community-Based Research for River Health and Climate Change Mitigation in East Africa.
5. Rural Women’s Productive Resources and Their Resilience to Climate Change.

Key Achievements and Lessons Learned in the ILWA Project were (1) the development of a Rapid Evidence Synthesis based on Multiple Lines of Evidence, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), applying the DriverPressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to identify ecological stressors and evaluate socioenvironmental responses to land/water interface degradation. This method was applied in case studies of Mayanja River (Uganda), Njoro River (Kenya), Gumara River (Ethiopia), and Muzingaze and Ndeja river (Mozambique). The approach validated community knowledge as a valuable data source for research outputs grounded in local realities. (2) ILWA demonstrated that local communities are at the forefront of ecosystem conservation but often lack incentives and institutional support. Key policy gaps in buffer zone enforcement, sustainable agroforestry, and climate adaptation were identified and collaborative governance models integrating NGOs, academia, and policymakers were recommended to ensure the long-term adoption of conservation strategies for Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique. (3) There is a need for inclusive decisionmaking processes and policy adjustments to improve access to productive resources for rural women. Findings were presented at major conferences, fostering discussions on gender-responsive climate policies. (4) The project trained young researchers in Systems Science for Participatory Management and facilitated joint workshops, field studies, and synthesis meetings. The interactive knowledge base developed as part of ILWA provides a data-driven decision support tool that integrates research findings into policy and practice. (5) Application in Global and Regional Frameworks as ILWA’s findings contributed directly to Africa-UniNet initiatives, APPEAR project proposals, and international conferences (Tropentag 2024, SIL Congress, National Sustainability Society Conference). The project successfully aligned its objectives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). 
Key achievements and lessons learnt show that integrating scientific research with community-based knowledge strengthens adaptive land and water management strategies. Complex interactions between climate change, land use, and water systems in combination can provide a replicable framework for evidencebased environmental governance through EIA. To scale ILWA’s DPSIR-based Environmental Impact Assessments, the next steps involve: (1) extending the knowledge base; (2) expanding and maintaining regional collaborations to sustain the long-term application of nature-based solutions in African catchments; and (3) focusing on community engagement, policy integration, and capacity building to enhance sustainability and policy enforcement.