SASSCAL
ICWRGC Collaborating on New PhD Programme to Advance Water Science in Southern Africa
ICWRGC is part of the team working to build the foundation of the new PhD programme in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), along with the Southern Africa Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) and the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST). The overarching objective of the SASSCAL Graduate Studies Programme in Integrated Water Resources Management (SGSP-IWRM) is the development of innovative, excellent and collaborative education and research at PhD degree level, complemented by selected tailor-made training programmes for decision-makers and industry.
Fifteen scholarships have been provided to students from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia to enroll in a three-year programme.
The key themes of the research program include:
- Hydrology and Hydrogeology
- Climate Change, Water Security, and the Environment
- Water for Sustainable Agriculture and Health Systems
- Governance, Economics, and Rights in the Water Sector
The thesis projects that the students will complete have been identified by the Academic and Scientific Advisory Committee (ASAC) because of their relevance in advancing the scientific agenda of the southern African region. Student research will be supervised by faculty at NUST, as well as by an international team of German and southern African experts. To prepare the students to carry out the research, the students will engage in common blocks of coursework to deepen their familiarity with IWRM concepts and advanced technical tools. The course of study will also include a research period in Germany hosted by a German institution.
Dr. Luna Bharati is a member of the ASAC, while ICWRGC Director Harald Köthe provides key implementation support and leadership.