Improving water security for the poor
Protecting groundwater for climate resilience and water security in Turkana
Located within Turkana County, Lodwar town is a fast-growing town in sub-Saharan Africa which is experiencing a sharp increase in water demand from urban and industrial growth. Reliable surface water supplies in the region are limited, due to low and erratic rainfall. Lack of research and data around Lodwar’s underlying aquifers, the Lodwar Alluvial Aquifer System (LAAS), has been a critical limitation to the sustainable development and management of groundwater resources.
The University of Nairobi has been leading comprehensive hydrogeological studies to characterise the aquifer and lay the basis for its sustainable management. This work has been contributing to new policy and practice to protect the Lodwar Alluvial Aquifer System and enhance resilience to climate risks.