How do you professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?
As a hydrologist, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of space technologies in transforming water resource management. My work integrates satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data with hydrological modelling, particularly for drought and flood monitoring, and water availability assessments in regions with scarce ground data. EO technologies allow me to capture real-time, high-resolution data, critical for climate resilience, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. By leveraging this data, I can inform better water resource planning, enhancing both national and basin-level decision-making processes. This fusion of space technologies and hydrology empowers us to address some of the most pressing challenges in water resource management.
Can you tell us about your current work at the Stockholm Environment Institute?
At the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa, I have worked on numerous projects focused on water management and governance. Currently, I am coordinating the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus project, which aims to promote ecosystem-based adaptation. One of our key initiatives is located in Kenya’s Ewaso Ng'iro North Catchment Area (ENNCA), where we are utilizing hydrological data to optimize resource management across different sectors. My role entails water systems modeling, policy coordination, and providing insights on how integrated data can support sustainable development. I am also involved in EU-funded initiatives that promote sustainable water management and energy transitions in Africa. Through these projects, I collaborate closely with stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring that data-driven solutions effectively contribute to climate resilience and socioeconomic growth.
What is your proudest professional moment or research project?
One of my proudest moments was representing SEI-Africa and my academic profile at major international conferences and being part of a panel with experts from various national and international space agencies such as NASA, and ESA. This opportunity to present my work on hydrology and water assessment not only allowed me to showcase our innovations in drought and flood monitoring and climate adaptation but also reinforced the importance of data-driven solutions for Africa’s water challenges. Networking with such influential organizations highlighted the global importance of the work we are doing and opened doors for further collaboration in water resource management and climate resilience.
You research the spatio-temporal variability of drought events in some regions in Africa. What are your main findings?
My research has uncovered that droughts in Africa exhibit complex and often regionally specific patterns. These patterns are shaped by both local climate conditions and broader meteorological changes. By using satellite-based indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), I have been able to map and predict areas that are particularly vulnerable to drought. This has proven essential for designing targeted water management strategies that focus on regions most affected by seasonal variability and long-term climate shifts. Understanding these patterns helps us develop more resilient systems for water allocation and agricultural planning, which is critical for both food security and economic stability in vulnerable regions.
How we can best inform water decisions with space-based data? Is there a need to do this on a case-by-case basis or have you drawn any conclusions that allow to share some of your insights?
Combining satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data with ground observations is essential for making informed water management decisions. While each region does indeed have unique characteristics, my work has shown that the integration of EO data with local hydrological models can significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of insights into water availability. This approach bridges the gap where ground data may be scarce, particularly in remote or under-served regions. For example, in Kenya’s Ewaso Ng'iro North Catchment Area (ENNCA), using EO data enhanced our ability to monitor water resources and manage irrigation more effectively. Therefore, although water management strategies often need to be customized to specific regional contexts, the fundamental practice of combining satellite data with local observations can be broadly applied to optimize decision-making and support sustainable water resource management across various regions.
You research the integration of satellite data into hydrological modelling to reduce uncertainties. Could you describe how you use satellite data reduce uncertainties?
I have used ERA5-Land data as an alternative and reliable data source for input into various hydrological models, particularly in regions where ground-based observations are limited or unavailable. The temporal cadence and high-resolution nature of ERA5-Land data allow me to apply them across models with varying time steps, something that ground data often struggles to support, especially for long-term climate analysis. By integrating satellite-derived soil moisture, rainfall data, and climate variables from ERA5-Land with traditional hydrological models, I can effectively bridge data gaps. This data serves as a valuable input for model calibration, improving the precision of water availability predictions and flood risk assessments.
For instance, in the Ewaso Ng'iro North Catchment Area (Kenya), satellite data provides the consistent temporal and spatial coverage needed to enhance the accuracy of our hydrological models, the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) tool and the Soil and Water Integrated Model (SWIM). These satellite data reduce uncertainties by offering comprehensive datasets that are critical for model calibration and validation, ensuring more accurate predictions and contributing to the development of climate-resilient water systems in the catchment. We can refine the models to provide more robust solutions for water resource management in the face of climate variability.
How will disasters such as droughts and floods affecting Africa look like under a changing climate? What related challenges will we need to address and how can space technologies and applications help?
Africa is expected to experience more frequent and severe droughts and floods as climate change progresses, putting significant strain on water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods across the continent. Managing these challenges will require innovative solutions, with space technologies playing a crucial role. Satellite-based monitoring can provide early warnings and real-time data on critical factors like water levels, soil moisture, and rainfall patterns, which are essential for effective disaster preparedness and resource management. Through leveraging such data, governments and communities can predict flood risks and drought severity months in advance, allowing for proactive adaptation measures to protect infrastructure, manage water efficiently, and reduce the vulnerability of local populations. Integrating these space technologies into national and regional strategies will be key to building climate resilience and ensuring sustainable development across Africa.
What space-based/remote sensing techniques do you think have important application prospects? Can you recognize a trend in this field?
Data such as multi-spectral imagery, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and climate data products like ERA5-Land hold significant potential, particularly when combined with machine learning for more precise monitoring. The growing trend of using machine learning models to analyze EO data is helping us move from reactive to predictive management of water resources. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where water scarcity and variability are major challenges, these tools are becoming indispensable for understanding drought cycles, monitoring water availability, and enhancing early warning systems.
Which experience or skill do you think benefits you most in your research and professional work? What advice would you give to young people working in this field?
My experience in hydrological modeling and geospatial analysis has been critical in all the projects I lead. These skills allow me to leverage complex datasets and transform them into actionable insights for water management. My advice to young researchers is to build a strong foundation in data analysis and become proficient with satellite-based tools. As we move into a future driven by big data and climate challenges, these skills will be essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in water resource management and climate resilience.
What do you need to innovate?
Innovation in water resource management requires three key elements: access to high-quality data, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and capacity-building in data-scarce regions. As my work with SEI Africa has shown, effective innovations often come from working across disciplines, such as combining hydrology, satellite technologies, and policy frameworks. When these elements align, we can create solutions that not only address immediate water challenges but also foster long-term climate resilience. Support from international partners in terms of funding and infrastructure is also crucial for scaling these innovations across Africa.
What is your favourite aggregate state of water?
Liquid water fascinates me the most, particularly its dynamic movement through rivers, lakes, and ecosystems. This constant flow plays a vital role in the hydrological cycle, sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance. Whether it’s the journey of a river carving its path through landscapes or the crucial role of water in agriculture and energy production, liquid water demonstrates the interconnectedness of nature. It’s this fluid state that not only supports biodiversity but also shapes human societies, reminding us of the delicate balance we must maintain in managing our water resources.
