The proposed partnership would connect scientific research, indigenous knowledge and community-led innovation to improve water security, climate adaptation and savanna landscape resilience.
Status: Institutional agreement and programme advancement are pending. This page describes a proposal, not an agreed programme.
Why This Collaboration Matters
Water, livelihoods and knowledge are closely connected in savanna regions. Decisions about wetlands, catchments and adaptation can benefit from scientific evidence and the experience of people who live and work in these landscapes. The proposed collaboration would create opportunities to bring these perspectives into research, learning and policy dialogue.
Proposed Flagship Initiative
The Savanna Water, Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Resilience Initiative would connect water and wetland research with community knowledge, intergenerational learning and practical adaptation. Its detailed geography, activities and delivery arrangements will be developed through consultation and agreement.
Proposed Areas of Joint Work
- Water and landscape evidence — Develop shared questions about wetlands, catchments, livelihoods and climate risks.
- Indigenous knowledge and learning — Support ethical knowledge exchange, documentation where appropriate, and learning between generations.
- Policy and practical application — Translate evidence into accessible learning materials, dialogue and options for local and institutional decisions.
- Programme and funding development — Build agreed concepts, delivery relationships and credible funding proposals.
SAFI's Contribution
SAFI proposes to contribute interdisciplinary programme design, research coordination, community-engaged methods and translation of findings into policy and learning outputs. The University for Development Studies is envisaged as a research partner. Contributions from the Commission, UDS and other prospective participants will be described once jointly agreed.
Next Steps
The immediate task is to agree priorities, clarify responsibilities and develop a feasible programme and funding approach. Programme updates will distinguish proposals from agreed activities and report progress as it is confirmed.