Category: Final Report
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UPGro Science: Testing of shallow groundwater in urban areas confirmed widespread contamination and health risks, and some contaminants not previously detected or tested for. New sensor methods developed [S8]
In urban areas, groundwater quality measured in Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia was found to be generally poor, particularly in shallow unconfined aquifers. Viral DNA work shows that viruses, some of which are pathogenic and carcinogenic for humans, are persistent in aquifers and present irrespective of geology, depth, population etc. Emerging contaminants, e.g. viruses,…
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UPGro Science: New methods of water point functionality developed and tested [S9]
Water point functionality surveys indicate that new methods for defining and measuring water point functionality are required to adequately monitor progress towards SDG6 for safely managed water services. There are many definitions for water point functionality, which influence whether a water point is classed as functional or not. Most national surveys are based on a…
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UPGro Science: Affordable maintenance and repair are one of the main predictors of borehole functionality, highlighting the need for effective management models to improve rural water services [S10]
The reasons for poor water point functionality are complex; there is not a simple strong relationship between good governance and the functionality of rural water points. However, affordable maintenance and repair are one of the main predictors of rural water point functionality, pointing to the need to consider different models for the management of community…
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UPGro Science: Access to groundwater is associated with improved agricultural production, reduced agricultural risk, and improved livelihoods [S11]
Access to groundwater is associated with improved agricultural production, reduced agricultural risk, and improved livelihoods.
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UPGro Science: Participatory, community-led approaches, such as Transition Management, can provide new and collaborative ways of using and managing urban groundwater [S13]
Transition Management has shown to enhance social learning, empower communities to develop solutions, and build trust between stakeholders.
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UPGro Science: Knowledge sharing approaches, such as RAINWATCH and Farmer Radio, can be used to increase resilience by communicating climate and groundwater forecasts with farmers [S12]
Farmer listening groups and radio outreach programmes have been used in Ghana and Burkina Faso to provide up-to-date information and guidance on groundwater use, water harvesting, and sustainable land management practices to farmers.
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Meet Dr Johanna Koehler, a scientist working to revolutionise rural water services in Kenya
Interview by Oxford University School of Geography The vast majority of the rural population in Kenya rely on pumps and pipes for their water supply. However, when they break, they are often not repaired for a long time, as they fall outside of formal water service provision areas. Dr Johanna Koehler explains how her research on water…
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Hand-pumps for deeper groundwater key to climate resilience for rural communities
NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) – new study has revealed that use of hand-pumped boreholes to access deeper groundwater is the most resilient way of adapting to droughts caused by climate change for rural communities in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa.
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Meet Joseph Okullo, a groundwater research scientist in the making
Interview and photos by Isaiah Esipisu With a Masters degree in geology from Makerere University, Joseph Okullo landed a consultancy job, to assist UPGro team in Uganda as a physical scientist. Since then, his star has been glowing brighter and brighter. During the Africa Water Association (AfWA) Congress in Kampala, the 36 year old upcoming…
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From a dream of becoming a Medical Doctor to a Civil Engineer – the Career Journey of Jennifer Isoke
Jennifer Brenda Isoke is a Ugandan female Civil Engineer with a purpose. Given her vast knowledge and experience, Isoke has been part of the UPGro team of researchers under the T-Group.
UPGro 