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Rwanda’s economy is inextricably linked to its water supply. It aspires to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035, and a high-income country by 2050. But rising temperatures and more prolonged dry spells threaten crop production and strain water supply.
Researchers from SEI and World Bank Group used SEI’s flagship water modelling tool, WEAP, and macroeconomic analysis to determine how water efficiency and storage measures can sustainably support Rwanda’s economic growth.
Photo: guenterguni / Getty Images
Agriculture employs nearly 70% of Rwanda’s population and makes up half of the country’s export revenue. As a result, Rwanda’s sustained economic growth depends on the preservation and responsible use of its water supply, which is rendered unpredictable with rainfall fluctuations exacerbated by climate change.
World Bank Group and SEI experts used a combination of SEI’s flagship water modelling tool, WEAP, and macroeconomic analysis to determine whether Rwanda can meet its development goals in the face of uncertain water supply.
Using the information on how water constraints affect economic growth, the researchers issued recommendations on how to support the economic goals outlined in Rwanda’s Vision 2050 policy through sustainable water stewardship.
Tool / The Water Evaluation and Planning tool (WEAP) provides a comprehensive, flexible and user-friendly framework for policy analysis in water resources planning.
Tool / WEAP proporciona un marco integral, flexible y fácil de usar para el análisis de políticas en la planeación de recursos hídricos.
Project / SEI researchers used WEAP software to run water supply scenarios in Rwanda to analyse where and when shortages might occur and their economic impact.
Perspective / A diverse array of leaders will gather in a rare UN water conference. SEI experts suggest three ways to foster a more water-resilient world.
Project / SEI is helping FAO meet sustainable development goals by training technicians to assess water stress at the sub-basin level in Algeria and Tunisia.
Journal article / This study seeks to analyze conflicts using a disaggregated quantitative approach, to better understand existing and potential water stress.
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