Aquifer mapping technologies for Zambia

Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Groundwater is an essential livelihood mechanism in Zambia – especially in the context of declining access to surface water resources – and its importance will only increase as climate change impacts worsen. Despite its significance in the Zambian context, there are still major gaps within the country’s groundwater knowledge base, which often leads to inefficient and ineffective resource utilisation – such as through the drilling of dry boreholes due to inadequate information regarding aquifer locations and mapping.

OneWorld, in association with JG Afrika, has been contracted by CTCN, to develop a comprehensive groundwater management plan to support climate change adaptation strategies in Zambia. The project will involve the production and development of extensive water accounting studies as well as 3D surface and underground water mapping in a specified region no larger than 20km² .

Alongside this, OneWorld will identify water saving technologies across different sectors as well as the impact of these technologies on the local water balance. This research will contribute directly to the improvement of water security in Zambia, as well as enhanced irrigation and sustainability capacity. Studies also indicate that improved water security and consumption correlates significantly with economic growth, meaning the production of a robust groundwater management approach will also feed into expanded socio-economic development in the region.