Goals

To acquire an insight into the social, economic and environmental impacts of various options for water allocation. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the Catchment Management Agencies can use these insights in decision-making on water allocation.

Details of project plan

With the aid of SEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Model) satellite photographs, the actual water consumption of user groups in agriculture (large and small-scale landowners) and the ecological demand for water can be measured and calculated.

Alternative formulas for water allocation can be evaluated by examining their impact on food production, social equality and environmental flows.

Linking SEBAL to economic analyses essentially creates a new product that makes clear the social and economic impacts of water allocation. This can lead to changes in water allocation.

Spin off and market impact

LEI and WaterWatch will continue to cooperate, seeking to apply the new tool, together with the Catchment Management Agencies and the Water Research Commission in other regions in South Africa, and to expand into Mozambique and Swaziland.

In South Africa there is great demand for regional integrated water management plans, while water allocation is a hot issue worldwide. Dutch companies could implement similar projects in India, for example. New clients are attracted by a publication on the analysis.

In South Africa, research institutes and the agriculture ministry are showing growing interest in working with SEBAL. South African universities also wish to conduct joint research activities with the consortium partners.

The consortium has also been approached by companies about the possibility of joint ventures or public-private partnerships.