PLAN FOR HYDROGEOLOGIC CAPACITY BUILDING IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA

The objective of this program is to provide a strategy to address hydrogeologic capacity-building in Sub-Sahara Africa.. The proposed plan is based on the experience of the Canadian-supported CARA Network in Central America The CARA Network has developed an approach or model for hydrogeologic capacity building in developing countries. By understanding the experience of CARA and adapting it to the context of Sub-Sahara Africa, hydrogeologic capacity building efforts in SSA can move forward with a plan that is well thought out, tried and tested in similar contexts and starts the long process of building the level of hydrogeologic capacity that SSA really needs.

Long-Term Vision (20 years): To establish at least one hydrogeology M.Sc. program in each SSA country. The M.Sc. program forms the foundation for other types of hydrogeologic activities such as professional/technical teaching through short courses/workshops/practicums, applied research led by M.Sc. students as they are required to do a thesis, conferences, policy events, and public education.

Medium-Term Vision (10 years): To strengthen and establish two to four regional hydrogeology M.Sc. programs at universities with existing hydrogeology curricula. Hydrogeology M.Sc. programs will be strengthened or initiated at these centers to become regional training centers. Students will be trained from both the home countries and neighboring countries. The long-term vision will be realized gradually as new SSA university hydrogeology programs gradually develop as a) hydrogeologists are trained from each country and they start to develop and execute hydrogeology projects etc and b) professors are trained in the regional M.Sc. programs.

Short-Term Vision and Key Activities (1-2 years): The short-term goals are to unite key SSA and international/donor stakeholders, find out the current SSA hydrogeologic training capacity, develop a plan to define each organization's role, involve universities with hydrogeology programs in North America and Europe, and start seeking project funding to strengthen 2-4 universities that will provide regional hydrogeologic training at the M.Sc. level.

HWB is currently seeking universities, organizations and corporations who would be interested in joining this consortium.