Rehabilitation: Wetlands, catchments and livelihoods

The degradation of land and water resources in the Sand River Catchment require that a number of rehabilitation activities are necessary if objectives of water security and sustainability are to be achieved. Initiatives include research into development and implementation of changes in land use; remedial action; and monitoring and the progress of the management of water and land resources. A major focus of our work currently features the rehabilitation of wetlands, their catchments leading to improved livelihoods.

Sustainable development

Research and implementation of sustainable development initiatives and practices is a focus of the programme. Developmental activities that improve residents access to services and infrastructure, and that increase the food security and incomes the many poor people in the catchment, are sorely needed. Such initiatives should seek to build and sustain the human, social, ecological and economic resources for present and future generations.

Capacity Development

Capacity development focuses on developing relevant and appropriate understanding, skills and competencies associated with catchment water security and integrated catchment management. Prioritised groups are provided support and information to increase their understanding and to promote skills development.

Policy implementation

The programme involves the interpretation of policies that are articulated in the National Water Act, including the laws that have a bearing on natural resources management. The major aim is to understand the implications of principles captured in policy statements for the development of practices. Another angle of this work is to feed into policy development and inform policy implementation from grounded experience.

Multiple Use Systems (MUS)

This Theme focuses on multiple livelihood strategies that are dependent on multiple sources of water and can make a meaningful contribution to poverty reduction through improving food security, nutrition and income generation activities. Growing evidence shows that multiple water sources which support multiple activities are key to ensuring multiple benefits in the livelihoods of people.

Vulnerability

Water related needs of most vulnerable households in the villages can only be understood if a specific effort is made to identify and engage them. Only then can we respond to these needs and the challenges which they expose, AWARD and municipal and government departments who have the responsibility to respond to vulnerable people through policies and programmes should work together in defining and refining how policies can be implemented to focus on vulnerable individuals and households as a central approach to development.

Rain Water Harvesting

Rain water harvesting has the potential to improve the water security of households in the Sand River Catchment. This would move towards improving health and food security. The programme explores the use of rain water harvesting as a supplementary water source in order to improve water management and as a means to improve supply, particularly for relatively vulnerable household members.

Local Government in Water Services Planning based on Water Resources

The entire SWELL programme aims to help secure water for communities in various many ways. Since the development of this programme all subsequent projects under water services planning and implementation must subscribe to SWELL Principles. This theme focuses on the links between water services planning and water resources.