The IIE Water Research Centre seeks to address water and climate related challenges of sub-Saharan Africa. As the world’s poorest region, sub-Saharan Africa is most at risk of climate change, and these challenges can only be resolved if water is managed in an integrated way and as part of a greater social-ecological system. The Centre is committed to water research and the development of scientific resources that protect and enhance water resources and sustainable environments. We take a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to research that involves experts from engineering, science, law, governance, and policy. We conduct applied research that encourages the design of resilient solutions with the capacity to deliver public benefits in the face of continuous change and uncertainty. Long-term collaborative networks with industry players and ongoing public engagement with research are vital to our research. We offer public water policy advice to a range of governmental organizations in sub-Saharan Africa. In a research-intensive and collaborative environment, we encourage interdisciplinary solutions and provide the training and education required to tackle these challenges.

Our researchers work on exciting projects that improve how people use and manage water. More than that, our work influences the way people think about the precious resources upon which life depends. Our research projects bring together the best minds in speciality areas such as water security, climate resilient societies, river basin and floodplain management, urban water design, water use in agricultural value chains, social-hydrological system analysis, resilience and ecological engineering, and water governance and policy, to combine knowledge across disciplines. We work closely with selected government organisations, NGOs and other agencies to ensure our research aligns with the public agenda. We operate within a regional network of scientists and policy makers as a key vehicle for enhancing public engagement with and promoting public understanding of research.