Africa’s food security and nutrition are under severe threat from climate change. Without rapid change, net food import dependency will exceed 50% by 2050. This session discusses the role of accelerated groundwater development in reversing these trends to achieve food security and nutrition; strengthen nature-based solutions; boost rural incomes; and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and stresses.

The session will include an overview of key issues as well as two case studies from Africa followed by a panel discussion of African policymakers focused on their engagement toward transforming food systems from the ground up.

Speakers

• Inga Jacobs-Mata, Country Representative-South Africa, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• Erwin De Nys, Program Leader, World Bank Pretoria
• Emmanuel Olet, Principal Engineer, African Development Bank 
• Paul Orengoh, Director of Programs, African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW)
• Claudia Ringler, Deputy Director, CGIAR WLE and Deputy Division Director, IFPRI
• Bertram Swartz, Deputy Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Namibia
• Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner for Water Resources Planning and Regulation, Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda
• Karen Villholth, Principal Researcher, South Africa, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)