The Story Behind This Project
The Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) is a transformative initiative addressing climate change challenges in the Giyani region of South Africa. Focused on enhancing water security, the program investigates the feasibility of solar-powered groundwater pumping systems to support rural communities lacking access to tap water. A study identified nine pilot sites, including villages and small farms, where these systems could significantly improve water access, agricultural productivity, and gender equity. Solar-powered systems, while requiring initial investment, offer long-term financial advantages over grid or diesel-powered solutions. To ensure sustainability, financial mechanisms like leasing, cooperatives, and subsidies are explored. The project also emphasizes the importance of managing groundwater resources responsibly, building local technical capacity, and securing community and government commitment for long-term maintenance. Supported by the Government of Flanders, GLSCRP is a collaborative effort involving Tsogang Water and Sanitation, the Association for Water and Rural Development, and the University of the Western Cape. The program aims to strengthen water governance, promote climate resilience, and drive sustainable economic growth through innovative water use systems and renewable energy solutions
Our Journey So Far
Start
2024-07-01
Complete
Completed
Complete
2025-05-31
What We’re Aiming For
The GLSCRP is a multifaceted initiative designed to showcase innovative approaches and strategies for adapting to climate change in the Giyani region. By integrating scientific research, community engagement, and policy interventions, the program seeks to address the pressing challenges in water utilization exacerbated by climate change. Through capacity building, infrastructure development, and knowledge exchange, the GLSCRP aims to empower local communities to better manage their water resources and build resilience against climate-related risks. Develop, research, and demonstrate practical water-linked climate adaptation solutions at local, community and catchment scale for the benefit of 5000 Giyani community members in order to improve water utilisation, community resilience and local economic growth for local and women-led enterprises.
What We’re Doing
The project includes an in-house capacity and capability building programme tailored for local government and partners, aimed at strengthening institutional response to climate and water challenges. It promotes knowledge exchange, cross-sector engagement, and a change strategy to support integrated development outcomes. A series of learning events and local learning networks are established, focusing on themes such as climate adaptation, water, the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, and sustainable agriculture. Learning support materials including contextualised guidelines, policy briefs, and toolkits are developed to reinforce practical application. The programme also documents and shares case studies that highlight locally driven, community and catchment-level climate adaptation solutions, alongside coordinated policy and regulatory recommendations. All activities are supported by a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MER\&L) framework to capture lessons, track progress, and inform adaptive management.
What We Hope to Achieve
The project aims to strengthen the enabling environment to enhance climate resilience and improve water utilisation within key communities and stakeholders in Giyani. A core focus is on scaling and optimising Multiple Use Water Services (MUS), incorporating alternative energy sources to operationalise water-energy-food (WEF) opportunities that respond to local needs. Additionally, the project supports local economic development priorities and ensures alignment with the formulation of a post-project sustainability strategy, promoting long-term impact and resilience.
Where We’re Working
The program was implemented in nine(9) project sites under the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in Mopani District Municipality, focusing on the Dzumeri and Muyexe Traditional Authority areas. The initiative established four(4) community water supply sites to improve access to clean water and supported five(5) agricultural cooperative sites to enhance local food production and economic sustainability. These efforts have directly impacted 5,000 people, strengthening their resilience to climate change and improving livelihoods within the targeted communities.
Meet the Team
Mr Derick du Toit, Mr Tebogo Mathebula, Mr Thembhani Mabunda and Ms Basani Ngoveni
Funders
Water Research Commission
Government of Flanders
Our Collaborators
Tsoogang
University of the Western Cape
Project in Pictures
