Application of water-based technologies to characterize groundwater in transboundary aquifer systems

Course description

According to UN publications from 2013 and 2018, Africa has only 35 scientists and engineers per million inhabitants, compared to 168 in Brazil, 2 457 in Europe, and 4 103 in the United States. This critical skills shortage, needs and gap that exist among professionals, qualified technicians, and management, particularly in the water sector, underscores the necessity of implementing a series of ten short courses on water-based technologies with a focus in transboundary systems or shared-water courses between and among countries.

The African Centres of Excellence on Water (ACEWATER) project, funded by the European Commission through the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), aims to address this gap. Needs assessments conducted during the previous ACEWATER phases highlighted the national interest and community including the professional and industry benefits of such courses, which were developed through extensive stakeholder engagement workshops.
Participants in these courses are envisaged to enhance their professional skills and career prospects, while the water industry will benefit from a workforce capable of implementing innovative solutions. The course will also promote awareness of water-based technologies in the water sector, aligning with the 2025 -2027 EU/AU funded ACEWATER Project. This initiative is being implemented by the UNESCO Chair Centre on Groundwater at the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of the Western Cape, in collaboration with 20 other African partners on the ACEWATER Project.

Course details

The course will be based on secondary and primary data from various sources of studies in
transboundary areas. Participants will work in individual and group sessions to achieve the 6 learning outcomes specified.

Day 1: Introduction and Geological Features
Day 2: Aquifer Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region
Day 3: Techniques and Tools for Aquifer Characterization
Day 4: Groundwater Exploration Techniques
Day 5: Aligning with African Centres of Excellence on Water Sciences and Technology
(ACEWATER) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Frameworks and Developing
Methodology

Statement of purpose

The aim of this course is to empower participants with updated knowledge and skills to use field, laboratory and computational water-based scientific technologies and innovations to address water availability, access and quality challenges and support water programmes that promote sustainable water conservation and use solutions.

The objective is for participants to gain practical experience on how to explore the use of and apply the various technologies and innovations that are used to characterize aquifer and groundwater resources in a transboundary water area.

Course outcomes

On completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Map geological features that can hold and transmit water in the subsurface and describe their
characteristics(properties and parameters towards aquifer and groundwater characterization).
• Identify aquifer and groundwater systems in transboundary water areas in the Southern
African Development Community (SADC) region.
• Explore different techniques and tools for identifying and describing aquifer and groundwater
characteristics/systems.
• Demonstrate various techniques to explore groundwater and develop groundwater resources.
• Align characteristics of aquifers and groundwater systems to frameworks and agendas of
African Centres of Excellence on Water Sciences and Technology (ACEWATER)/ Water,
Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) agenda.
• Develop a standardized methodology for aquifer and groundwater characterization.

Entry level requirements

Participants should have obtained a bachelor’s degree in third- or fourth-year level in Environmental Sciences, Water Sciences, Engineering Water-related bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Participants employed in the water and sanitation sector with lower qualifications but substantial, relevant working experience in the sector of not less than 5 years are encouraged to apply through recognition of prior learning.

Planned course dates

06 July 2026 - 24 July 2026 (1 week contact, 2 weeks online)
Applications open 30 November 2025. Application deadline: 26 June 2026

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria will adhere to the 2020-2025 Sector Skills Plan (SSP) framework, as outlined in the 2019 document by the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA). This SSP framework aims to align training outcomes with the objectives of the National Skills Development Plan 2030. Key goals include identifying and increasing the production of high-demand training programs, linking academic training with workplace-based experiences, enhancing skill levels within the South African water sector workforce, and increasing access to occupationally directed programs.
Additionally, the framework supports the growth of public institutions of higher learning as key
providers of employability skills, promotes entrepreneurship and cooperative development, and backs career development services within the socio-economic environment.

Assessment methods

Formative and Summative assessment methods will be used.

Teaching & learning strategies

• The learning and teaching strategies for this course will involve theoretical knowledge,
computer-based practical skills, workplace-based experiences(case studies) using various
technologies.
• Typical teaching methods will include the use of the following techniques:
- Lectures, reading assignments, and introductory videos.
- Lectures from industry experts, technology demonstrations, and case studies.

Course material & equipment

Learning and teaching resources or equipment for participants will be prescribed and access will be provided to such resources for participants to successfully participate in the short course. Typical resources provided to participants will include access to computers, stable internet,
software/programming tool among others.

Modes of delivery

A blended mode of delivery (an in person or face-to-face during week 1 and online support during
weeks 2 and 3). The in person/face-to-face mode of course delivery with participants will be employed.

Course venue

The in-person training will be held at the University of the Western Cape main campus (Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville.
The venue will be confirmed closer to the course commencement date.

Alignment with UWC mission & strategic initiatives

This training is in line with the following UWC IOP 2021 – 2025 goals.
• Goal Area 2: Learning and Teaching
To provide high-quality, evidence-based learning and teaching opportunities that are
underpinned by responsive curricula and a diversity of learning, teaching and assessment
approaches to nurture graduates who have the knowledge, skills and attributes to succeed in the world of work; are lifelong learners; and are socially aware, ethical and caring global citizens.
• Goal Area 3: Research and Innovation
To strengthen UWC’s position as a research-led university, contributing to the transformation of society through its knowledge-production endeavours and recognised for its general research capabilities and research strengths in selected areas.
• Goal Area 6: UWC in the Public Domain
To optimise the range of media platforms and publications that position UWC as a vibrant,
intellectually stimulating, research-led university where students and staff can realise their
aspirations.

This training also aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all.
• SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity loss.
• SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development.