About the Arid Region Water Research Centre
The Arid Region Water Research Centre is a strategic initiative of Sol Plaatje University in partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC), developed as part of the institution’s desert studies research focus. The Centre forms part of a broader commitment to sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions and aligns with national priorities on water security and climate resilience. Within this context, the Centre aims to conduct applied and regionally relevant research on water scarcity, management, and innovation, with outputs that deliver practical solutions and direct impact at community, policy, and stakeholder levels.
The Centre’s research framework contributes to building a knowledge base for arid-region water systems, and is aligned with national research agendas focusing on resource sustainability, adaptation, and resilience. It will serve as a platform for data generation, capacity building, and collaboration to inform decision-making and drive sustainable water practices in some of South Africa’s most water-stressed landscapes.
- Conduct cutting-edge research on arid water systems, including hydrology, water conservation, and ecosystem management
- Develop innovative technologies and methodologies for water harvesting and conservation, purification, and efficient utilization in arid environments
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and local communities to address water challenges effectively
- Promote environmental stewardship and resilience-building initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources
- Development of academic and training programmes focusing on water resources in arid environments
The establishment of an Arid Region Water Research Centre (ARWRC) at SPU is important for the Northern Cape Province due to the region’s unique challenges of water scarcity and arid conditions. As one of the driest regions in South Africa, the Northern Cape faces significant water-related issues, including droughts, limited water resources, and environmental degradation. To address these challenges requires specialised research, innovative solutions, and sustainable water management practices tailored to arid environments.
The work of the Centre looks to address these risks, analyze the vulnerabilities and assess the resilience within the different sectors within the UN Sustainability Development Goals. The Centre’s strategy aligns with national, provincial, and institutional strategies in terms of sustainability, science, innovation, and technology.
Considering the research niche areas identified by the Faculty, the Centre will focus on the following broad water research themes:
- Climate change
- Water Resources and alternate sources (Groundwater)
- Water Quality and Public Health (citizen science)
- Water services (Water Supply, Sanitation and Wastewater Management)
- Agricultural Water in Arid Environments (Water-Energy-Food Nexus)
- Water socio-economic and Indigenous knowledge (academic-community-industry and public sector coordination
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