Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Overview

The 3rd regional learning event focused on "Strengthening Project Impact: Regional Collaboration, Contract Management, and Environmental Considerations". The workshop gathered over 100 delegates to address pressing challenges and opportunities in groundwater management for climate resilience.

Enhanced Collaboration

Strengthened commitment to cooperation for transboundary groundwater management

Strategic Planning

Concrete next steps for implementing transboundary GW4R activities

Capacity Building

Knowledge exchange and training for sustainable groundwater management

Day 1: Enhancing Regional GW4R Collaboration

Inaugural Session

Opening remarks by IGAD, Kenya Ministry of Water, and World Bank representatives

MIS Launch

Introduction of the Management Information System tool

Implementation Updates

Progress reports from Member States and IGAD

Day 2: Environmental and Social Considerations

Overview

Day 2 focused on equipping participants with knowledge and understanding of key elements of environmental considerations in groundwater development and social aspects including gender considerations.

Session 1: Environmental Considerations

  • General environmental considerations in siting of boreholes
  • Technical environmental considerations in water scheme siting
  • Environmental impacts on scheme design and operation

Session 2: Country Implementation

  • Group discussions on environmental impact enhancement
  • Women's engagement in waterpoint management
  • Country-specific action planning

Session 3: Technical Considerations

  • Water point management strategies
  • Government capacity building
  • Technical environmental considerations

Key Highlights

Gender Engagement

32% women participation achieved with active involvement in decision-making processes

Capacity Building

Enhanced understanding of environmental safeguards and gender mainstreaming

Day 3: Water Quality Training, Innovation Café, and Action Plans

Session 1: Water Quality

  • Groundwater salinity guidelines
  • Water quality analysis techniques
  • Quality assurance procedures

Session 2: Innovation Café

  • Third-Party Monitoring Agent (TPMA) introduction
  • Extended team meetings
  • Interactive knowledge sharing

Session 3: Action Planning

  • Country-specific action plans
  • Water management models
  • Six-month priority planning

Innovation Café Highlights

TPMA Implementation

Introduction of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for project oversight

Knowledge Exchange

Interactive sessions with UN agencies and development partners

Action Planning

Development of concrete six-month priority actions for each member state

Key Takeaways

Enhanced Collaboration

Strengthened regional partnerships and knowledge sharing mechanisms

Clear Priorities

Established concrete action plans for the next six months

Sustainable Implementation

Developed strategies for long-term project sustainability