Zambia is facing a growing water crisis, one that is being intensified by the effects of climate change. Rainfall patterns are shifting, and in drought-prone regions, water bodies such as streams, rivers, and lakes are drying up. This crisis is deeply affecting millions of lives and livelihoods across the country. Women and children are increasingly burdened with walking longer distances to access clean and safe water, while farmers struggle with declining crop yields and the uncertainty of changing seasons.
In this increasingly precarious context, groundwater resources—such as springs, wells, and aquifers—have become more vital than ever. Although often overlooked due to their hidden nature, groundwater represents nearly a third of the world’s freshwater supply. It serves as a critical buffer during periods of drought and functions as a reliable reserve during times of water surplus. In Zambia, it holds immense potential for supporting climate change adaptation and strengthening food and water security.
Yet, despite its importance, groundwater in Zambia remains poorly understood, inadequately mapped, and insufficiently governed. “You cannot manage what you cannot see,” explains Beatrice Kanyamuna Pole, a hydrogeologist at the Department for Water Resources Development (DWRD). The department currently faces multiple constraints, including outdated forecasting systems, a lack of modern equipment, limited data analysis tools, and a shortage of skilled personnel. These challenges severely limit the country’s ability to monitor and manage its groundwater reserves effectively.
To address these critical gaps, the Government of Zambia, with support from the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, developed a proposal aimed at mapping aquifers—underground layers of water-bearing rock or soil. This initiative aligns with the Commonwealth Call to Action on Living Lands, which promotes coordinated action to combat climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Out of 174 applications submitted across Africa to the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), Zambia’s project was one of only four selected for funding, receiving US$250,000.
The project, titled Aquifer Mapping Technology for Zambia, is being implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through its Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN). It directly addresses the need for accurate and detailed data on Zambia’s groundwater systems. Using advanced geophysical equipment and technologies, the project provides a comprehensive, micro-level understanding of groundwater availability, flow patterns, and aquifer boundaries. This knowledge feeds into the development of a robust groundwater management plan that supports water security, enhances irrigation potential, and promotes sustainable development for rural and peri-urban communities.
Already, the results are tangible. “Because of the ongoing project, which may have covered thousands of kilometers since implementation, now we do know where the aquifer boundaries are, how deep it extends, whether it pinches out and is confined, whether there’s an impermeable layer and so on,” says Andrew Kaluba, a hydrogeologist at the DWRD. The project has significantly reduced the time and resources needed for groundwater prospecting, improved borehole drilling success rates, and contributed to the harmonization of new aquifer data with existing geological maps. This enhanced visibility is instrumental for developing sustainable water management regimes, especially in the face of climate stress.
Importantly, the initiative goes beyond technology. As the implementing partner, CTCN is working to ensure that these tools and decision-making methods are fully transferred to Zambian institutions. Local capacity is being strengthened through training and support, particularly in the use of advanced technologies for data collection, processing, modeling, and forecasting. The project also highlights the role of women and girls, enhancing their participation in managing information systems and conducting fieldwork, thereby promoting inclusivity and resilience at the community level.
This project exemplifies the type of concrete, targeted action that climate-vulnerable countries must pursue to adapt to an increasingly uncertain climate future. But such initiatives require access to finance. The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub plays a vital role in this regard by embedding long-term experts within government institutions and regional bodies. These advisers help develop high-quality funding proposals, build institutional capacity, and guide the implementation of adaptation projects. So far, the Hub has helped countries unlock more than US$67 million in climate finance, with an additional US$800 million in the pipeline.
In Zambia, the Hub has supported the mobilization of over US$2.27 million for climate adaptation. This includes another GCF-funded initiative to develop a solar-powered water scheme in the Eastern Province. All these efforts support Zambia’s NDC, reinforcing the country’s commitment to climate action while building resilience for the communities that need it most.
Through these combined efforts—policy alignment, technological innovation, local capacity building, and strategic financing—Zambia is taking decisive steps to secure its groundwater resources and ensure a more climate-resilient future for its people.
Learn more about the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub here.