Groundwater Information Portal Enhancement

The SADC-Groundwater Information Portal enhancement project is aimed at augmenting the SADC Groundwater Information Portal that was first revived in 2019/2020 with more features, for example incorporating time series data, ability to generate graphs, maps and where data is missing, applying big data analytics and machine learning to generate useful information for stakeholders. The project aims to harmonize and enhance the sharing of hydrogeological data among Member States, and it follows up on the (SADC-GW-DataCoM project) which was implemented during phase 1.

The SADC Groundwater Information Portal (SADC-GIP) is a state-of-the-art online data and information system, which contains all the results from the SADC Hydrogeological Mapping Project. The system is designed to provide easy access to this information for all those who are involved in groundwater management, groundwater development, and research in groundwater or related fields. The SADC-GIP is a map-based public viewer that is available to anyone with access to the internet using a standard web browser. The user interface is intuitive, allowing users to browse through all available thematic maps and associated data and documents without the need for training. Users can create new insights by making overlays of maps and the data behind the maps (feature information) is available at the push of a button, on request. The maps and data can also be made available in digital format (GIS shapefiles and Excel) for further offline analysis.

Project Manager: Mr James Manda, jamesm@sadc-gmi.org

Project Overview

Background

The SADC Groundwater Information Portal (GIP) was developed to serve as a centralized, digital platform for hosting and sharing harmonized groundwater-related data across all SADC Member States. The GIP aims to improve access to hydrogeological information, enhance regional collaboration, and support evidence-based groundwater management and decision-making. It addresses historical challenges of fragmented, inconsistent, and inaccessible groundwater data in the region.

Project Objectives

  • To upgrade the SADC-GIP into a robust, analytics-ready regional platform for storing, sharing, and analyzing groundwater data.
  • To align national groundwater databases and improve data flow from Member States into a centralized system.
  • To enable Big Data analytics, time series data analysis and integration of machine learning tools for improved insight generation.
  • To build technical capacity across the region for data collection, submission, and usage through tools, training, and institutional partnerships.
  • To support transboundary groundwater governance and improve regional water security and climate resilience.

Project Progress

The project has been implemented in three main phases:

  1. Phase 1: Data Collection and Time Series Development – Focused on gathering, cleaning, and integrating groundwater data across Member States using standardized templates and tools. Young Professionals were engaged to lead in-country data collection efforts.
  2. Phase 2: Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning Pilot – Piloted the application of advanced analytics in selected strategic aquifers (e.g., Mauritius and the Coastal Sedimentary Basin VI shared by Mozambique and South Africa). A conceptual analytics framework was established and implemented.
  3. Phase 3: Sustainability and Regional Integration (Ongoing) – Includes the establishment of a Regional Monitoring Borehole Network, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and mainstreaming of GIP use in policy and planning. Member States are yet to be supported to appoint national focal points and consultants for continued data flow into the system.

Project Achievements

  • Upgraded GIP Platform: The GIP now has an enhanced interface, increased data layers (over 300), improved analytics capabilities, and user-friendly tools.
  • Broadened Access and Usage: GIP now has over 650 registered users, with traffic steadily increasing.
  • The GIP now connects with more than 15 external regional and global data platforms, positioning it as a one-stop resource.
  • Regional training sessions were conducted for Young Professionals, technical officers, and subgrantees to standardize data collection and usage.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Tools and templates for subgrantees and Member States have been developed and are actively being used for borehole data submissions.

Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) Documentation

Given that the GIP is a digital, data-centric platform, its environmental and social impacts are minimal. However, to ensure responsible data handling, user inclusion, and equitable access, the project incorporates:

  • Data governance protocols to protect sensitive datasets.
  • Gender inclusion and youth engagement strategies, especially through the Young Professionals Programme.
  • Capacity development components to ensure equitable knowledge transfer across institutions and countries.
  • Ethical data use principles, particularly in transboundary and community-level data.
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