Building on the Foundations of Integrated Water Resources Management

The policy brief emphasizes that water security is the primary medium through which climate change impacts will be felt in Africa, necessitating a cross-sectoral approach to development. It proposes using the existing foundations of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to mainstream climate resilience across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and sanitation. The document highlights that effective coordination requires leadership from central government 'apex' bodies, such as a Ministry of Finance, rather than relying on a single line ministry. It cites Zambia's Sixth National Development Planning (SNDP) process as an example where water and climate change adaptation were consolidated across multiple sector strategies.

• Water security is critical for Africa's development and serves as the main channel for climate change impacts, requiring integration across sectors including energy, agriculture, environment, water supply, and sanitation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach is identified as the most effective method for managing competing water demands and cross-sectoral linkages, as climate change impacts transcend administrative and sectoral boundaries.
• To achieve climate-resilient development, central planners should re-configure portfolios to include low-regret options, adapt risky investments, and use specific investments as hedges against climate risks.
• Effective cross-sectoral coordination for water and climate should be led by a central 'apex' body with convening powers, such as the Prime Minister’s office or the Ministry of Finance/Economic Development Planning, rather than a single line ministry.
• Zambia's Sixth National Development Planning (SNDP) process, released in January 2011, serves as a model for integrating water and climate change adaptation by using sector specialist groups to provide cross-linking input into a consolidated strategy managed by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (n.d.). Building on the Foundations of Integrated Water Resources Management. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief2_pr3.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Building on the Foundations of Integrated Water Resources Management. n.d. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief2_pr3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=Building on the Foundations of Integrated Water Resources Management |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief2_pr3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetworkndbuilding, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{Building on the Foundations of Integrated Water Resources Management}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief2_pr3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }