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Faced with increased threats from a changing climate, rainwater is key to a more productive and sustainable agriculture. Africa already has the basic structures in place, but a lack of investment is holding the continent back from reaching the full potential.
The TIARA project is changing the trajectory of water investments in Africa, to match existing structures, making it possible to reap the benefits from better rainwater management.
TIARA is based on an initiative from the late SIWI Senior Scientific Advisor, the globally renowned water expert Malin Falkenmark. Throughout her pioneering career, she highlighted the critical importance of what is often referred to as green water – the moisture stored in the soil.
Falkenmark argued that better management of this resource is vital for sustainable farming in Africa and could have a profound impact on food security across the continent. Strengthened local food production would reduce dependency on imports, create jobs, and stimulate both local and national economies. At the same time, farming rooted in sound rainwater management provides a resilient and sustainable form of agriculture. In a region increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change, Falkenmark’s insights remain more relevant than ever.
The film launched during COP27 makes a clear statement on which direction water investments need to move towards, for improved food security in Africa.