Page 36 - CIWA Water Data Revolution Overview Report

Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa

To overcome these limitations and support them in accomplishing their mandate, a key first step
is providing RBOs with access to relevant data, starting with public domain data, which is cost-
effective and can serve as a foundational resource for understanding the dynamics of shared
water systems. In this context, the provision of WA systems becomes highly relevant as it provides

a framework for assessing water availability, usage, and efficiency, helping RBOs plan for future
demands, identify potential risks, and prioritize investments.

In the RBO’s empowering process, capacity building is essential. Workshops and training sessions
expose participants to accessible data products and analytical tools, equipping technical staff with

the skills to conduct cost-effective water resource analysis. Particularly, hands-on sessions show
effective results on build confidence, foster data ownership, and ensure that the knowledge
gained is practical and applicable to real-world scenarios.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of capacity-building efforts, it is essential to adopt

financially viable training models that are both cost-effective and scalable. A key strategy for this
is the "train-the-trainer" approach, which empowers selected staff to train others, creating an
internal, self-sustaining system of ongoing education that reduces reliance on external providers.
Additionally, sharing training materials ensures that knowledge is retained within the
organization, even amid staff turnover, allowing new staff to quickly acquire the necessary skills.
These strategies help maintain and strengthen technical capacity over time. Moreover, this
initiative underscored the importance of Tailoring training to meet specific organizational needs
maximizes limited resources, while continuous engagement with RBO staff ensures training

evolves with organizational demands. Accessible formats, like online sessions, further broaden
access, particularly for underrepresented groups and those facing logistical barriers.

3. Leveraging basin-wide analytical tools for practical and integrated applications of data
in decision-making

While data access is a critical aspect for supporting RBOs in accomplishing their mandates, data
alone is not useful until it is analyzed and transformed into actionable insights. Analytical tools
help convert data into meaningful information that ultimately supports decision-making on
transboundary water resource management (Figure 2). In this context, the selection of analytical

tools is crucial, as these tools must be tailored to the specific context of each RBO, considering
factors such as data availability, the technical capacity of staff, and information needs. A poorly
chosen tool can actually contribute to create significant gaps in information or even worse,
misleading information. The right analytical tool is one that aligns with the RBO's capacity, the

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