Strengthening Water Systems: Linking Transboundary Governance, Economics of Water, and Climate-Smart Innovation in Zambia - IWMI Special Session

Conveners

International Water Management Institute (IWMI),

Session Description / Abstract: 

Across Eastern and Southern Africa, delivering sustainable, equitable, and affordable water services is increasingly challenged by weak governance systems, inadequate infrastructure, and intensifying climate pressures (Nkhata, 2020; Matimolane and Mathivha, 2025). More frequent droughts, shifting rainfall patterns, and growing competition for water amplify these pressures (ASSAf, 2023; de Boer et al., 2024), particularly for marginalized and vulnerable communities. Addressing these challenges calls for integrated approaches that connect governance reform, targeted investments, and climate-resilient planning with science-based decision tools and locally relevant adaptation practices (FAO, 2016; de Boer et al., 2024). These include Climate Information Services (CIS), which give farmers timely, actionable data for better decisions, while Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), which entails farmers' response to climate change and variability, improves livelihoods, optimizes water use, and builds resilience in an inclusive manner (Huyer 2022; Ouedraogo 2022; Mapedza et al., 2023). 

Through presentations and panel discussions, this special session will explore how stronger policies, institutions, and financing can work hand in hand with tools such as CIS and approaches like CSA to create water services that are more reliable, inclusive, and climate resilient. 

Segment 1-Water Governance in a Changing Climate: Economic and Policy Innovations

Segment 1, draws on insights from the CGIAR Initiative on Fragility, Conflict and Migration (FCM) in Zambia's Western Province to examine how climate-induced drought, water insecurity and mobility are reshaping governance in the transboundary Western Corridor. It will highlight where governance gaps persist, how institutional coordination can be strengthened, and how policy alignment across sectors and borders can unlock investments for those most at risk. Lessons and new thinking from the CGIAR Policy Innovations Program on policy coherence and the Global Commissions on the Economics of Water on Just Water Partnerships will provide practical strategies for more effective, inclusive, and financially sustainable water management. 

• Presenter: Dr Juan Carlos Sanchez Ramirez, Research Group Leader -Water Governance and Political Economy
• Speaker: Ms. Ngowenani Nohayi, Senior Research Officer- Policy and Water Governance
• Presenter: Dr Alan Nicol, Principal Researcher-Water Governance and Political Economy

Segment 2: Adaptive Strategies and Mitigation Measures to Bolster System Resilience – Experiences from Climate-Smart Water and Agriculture Innovations in Zambia

Anchored in the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project, this segment will present how the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in partnership with government institutions and agribusinesses, is advancing climate-smart agriculture (CSA), climate information services (CIS), and integrated water resources management (IWRM) innovations in Zambia.

Through scaling strategies such as Internship Innovation Grant (I2G) program and Agribusiness Accelerator Grants, the project has co-designed and deployed tailored bundles of CSA, CIS, and IWRM solutions that address the specific needs of smallholder farmers. The aim is to strengthen climate resilience in farming systems by linking scientific research, entrepreneurial innovation, and inclusive capacity development. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) training has also been conducted for the interns to have a better understanding of the importance and relevance of GESI in the innovation process and agricultural transformation processes.

These initiatives have demonstrated the transformative potential of adaptive strategies including anticipatory climate action, bundled CSA–CIS service delivery, youth-led innovations, and participatory learning platforms in enhancing resilience across interconnected water, agriculture, and climate systems.

By distilling lessons from Zambia's field experiences, this segment will contribute to the broader regional dialogue on closing the water investment gap by 2030 and beyond, with an emphasis on turning proven solutions into scalable, investment-ready opportunities.

Objectives

1. Share field-based evidence and innovations – Present insights from AICCRA and the Internship Innovation Grant (I2G) on strengthening resilience in smallholder farming and water systems.
2. Showcase climate information services and anticipatory action – Demonstrate tools and frameworks that improve decision-making at national, subnational, and community levels.
3. Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue – Engage water, agriculture, and meteorological actors to identify viable pathways for scaling solutions.
4. Explore policy and institutional integration – Highlight opportunities to embed adaptive strategies into IWRM frameworks through policy reform, institutional capacity building, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

Together, the two perspectives will equip policymakers, practitioners, and investors with a connected set of approaches, linking governance and financing innovations with climate-informed planning to achieve sustainable, equitable, and resilient water systems.

Expected Outcomes:

• Clearer understanding of governance, economic, and policy coherence challenges in national and transboundary water systems.
• Actionable recommendations for aligning governance frameworks, financing strategies, and climate-resilient planning tools to improve equity, affordability, and sustainability.
• Stronger partnerships among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing governance and planning innovations for resilient and inclusive water systems.

Expected Number of Participants:

• 20-30

Materials and Equipment Required:

• Projector, screen, and microphones