Citizen science as a catalyst for inclusive water and climate adaptation in data-scarce African landscapes

Climate change, land degradation, and increasing water demand are intensifying pressure on water resources in data-scarce regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, where conventional monitoring systems are limited by cost, technical capacity, and sparse observational networks. This presentation provides evidence from multiple citizen science initiatives since 2010 demonstrating how participatory data collection and co-creation of local knowledge can enhance inclusive water resources management and climate adaptation.

Drawing on case studies from Ethiopia and Ghana, we show how high school students, farmers, and local communities were trained to collect groundwater levels, soil moisture, rainfall, streamflow, and water quality data using low-cost instruments such as plastic gauges, manual staff meters and weirs, and manual sampling kits. These datasets complement validation of earth observation products (e.g., soil moisture products), groundwater recharge estimates in sloping aquifers, and hydrological models, enabling improved understanding of seasonal water availability, groundwater surface water interactions, and watershed management. In Ghana’s Ahafo Ano watershed, citizen-generated observations supported inclusive landscape management planning and prioritizing post-mined land for reclamation, while in Ethiopia, citizen monitoring informed understanding of runoff mechanisms, erosion control, watershed restoration, and adaptive land management practices.

The results highlight that citizen science not only fills critical data gaps but also strengthens local capacity, trust in science, co-creation of local knowledge, and ownership of adaptation decisions. However, challenges remain related to data reliability, sustained engagement, and integration into formal decision-making processes. We argue that combining citizen science (CS) with existing community challenges, adapting new technologies for CS, implementing simple quality-control protocols, and integrating CS into government structures and budgets can unlock knowledge and enhance sustainability, scientific credibility, and policy relevance.