Water Security in the Face of the Super El Niño: New WASA Policy Brief
Eight WASA collaborative projects join forces to examine the potential implications of the 2026 Super El Niño for water security and highlight research-based approaches to strengthening climate resilience.
The anticipated 2026 Super El Niño raises important questions about the future of water security in Southern Africa. Changing rainfall patterns, increasing climate variability and growing pressure on water resources underline the need for reliable scientific information and effective adaptation strategies.
A new Policy Brief from the Water Security in Africa (WASA) Research Programme brings together interim findings and recommendations from eight collaborative projects, including WASANet. It provides an overview of current scientific insights into the potential impacts of the Super El Niño, while connecting these findings with broader challenges related to climate change and water resource management.
Drawing on research and practical experiences from across the WASA network, the publication explores different dimensions of water security, ranging from hydrological forecasting and drought risks to sustainable water use, groundwater resources and water management in the mining sector.
The Policy Brief also highlights the importance of translating scientific knowledge into practical action. It calls for strengthened cooperation between research institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders to support informed decision-making and build long-term water resilience.
Read the full Policy Brief
Explore the interim findings, scientific insights and recommendations from the eight WASA collaborative projects: