Water Security for Development in an Uncertain Climate

The policy brief emphasizes that water security is a prerequisite for growth and development in Africa, noting that climate variability can significantly reduce GDP. It advocates for a strategy of 'no/low regret' investments—those that provide returns regardless of the climate scenario—to address the 'adaptation deficit' and minimize risks. The document calls for cross-sectoral coordination, increased investment in water management, and the exploitation of specialized climate adaptation funding, such as the potential Green Climate Fund, to build long-term resilience.

• Climate variability and extreme events have caused significant economic losses in Africa, including a reduction in Ethiopia's growth by up to 38% per year, an 11% GDP drop in Kenya due to 1997-98 floods, and a 16% drop following the 1999-2000 drought.
• Climate projections for Africa indicate a likely increase in temperatures at a rate higher than the global average and more intense storm rainfall, although overall rainfall and streamflow runoff projections remain uncertain.
• The document categorizes investments based on climate risk: 'no/low regret' investments provide acceptable returns regardless of the climate scenario; 'climate change risky' investments lose value if climate change occurs; and 'climate change justified' investments are essentially insurance that only yield acceptable returns if climate change materializes.
• To address the 'adaptation deficit' and minimize climate risks, the document recommends altering designs, implementing investments in stages, using innovative technologies, and starting pilot projects to generate evidence for informed decision-making.
• Financing for water security requires a mix of public and private funding with user cost recovery; while most current climate funding targets mitigation, the Green Climate Fund is identified as a potential transformative source for adaptation finance.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (n.d.). Water Security for Development in an Uncertain Climate. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief1_pr3.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Water Security for Development in an Uncertain Climate. n.d. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief1_pr3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=Water Security for Development in an Uncertain Climate |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief1_pr3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetworkndwater, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{Water Security for Development in an Uncertain Climate}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief1_pr3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }