The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has intensified regional initiatives aimed at strengthening water security across the Horn of Africa, a region where water resources remain critical for livelihoods, food production, and climate resilience.
Large parts of the IGAD region are classified as arid and semi-arid, making access to reliable water sources a major challenge for communities that depend on agriculture and pastoralism.
To address these challenges, IGAD is working closely with member states and development partners to promote sustainable water management, improve governance of shared water resources, and enhance regional cooperation.
A key component of these efforts is the Horn of Africa Groundwater Initiative, which focuses on improving knowledge and management of groundwater systems across the region.
The initiative supports countries in strengthening national capacity for groundwater management while encouraging the sustainable use of aquifers.
According to IGAD officials, groundwater resources play an increasingly important role in supporting communities in drought-prone areas, providing water for households, livestock, and agricultural production.
A better understanding of underground water systems is therefore essential for long-term planning and climate adaptation.
Through the initiative, governments and technical institutions are receiving support to enhance data collection, research, and policy development related to groundwater resources.
The programme also seeks to strengthen collaboration among countries that share transboundary water systems.
IGAD says improved access to water-related data, technical expertise, and stronger policy frameworks will help countries in the Horn of Africa manage their water resources more effectively while building resilience against the impacts of climate change.
The organisation is also promoting integrated water resources management approaches that encourage coordinated planning across sectors such as agriculture, environment, and infrastructure.
Such strategies are expected to improve water availability, support economic development, and enhance food security across the region.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development is a regional economic community comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.
The organisation works to strengthen regional cooperation in areas including climate resilience, food security, economic integration and sustainable development.
Officials say the continued investment in groundwater knowledge and water governance is a critical step toward building a more water-secure and climate-resilient future for the Horn of Africa.