Transforming Investments in African Rainfed Agriculture (TIARA) | SIWI

Small cabbage plantation on the outskirts of a settlement in Zambia. — Image by Mariano Gobbi

Nature-based solutions Landscapes and ecosystems Rivers, wetlands and basins

Better rainwater management is a way to increase food security, create jobs, and build resilient societies, suited to tackle the challenges from a changing climate. The TIARA programme deepens the understanding of these connections and is paving the way for much needed investment in Africa’s rainfed agriculture.

Since 2020 · Now active

Anna Tengberg, PhD

Senior Advisor

anna.tengberg@siwi.org +46 (0)760 06 04 06

David Mingasson

Programme Officer

david.mingasson@siwi.org

Faced with increased threats from a changing climate, rainwater is key to a more productive and sustainable agriculture. Africa already has the basic structures in place, but a lack of investment is holding the continent back from reaching the full potential.

The TIARA programme is changing the trajectory of water investments in Africa, to match existing structures, making it possible to reap the benefits from better rainwater management.

Background

TIARA is based on an initiative from the late SIWI Senior Scientific Advisor, the globally renowned water expert Malin Falkenmark. Throughout her pioneering career, she highlighted the critical importance of what is often referred to as green water – the moisture stored in the soil.

Falkenmark argued that better management of this resource is vital for sustainable farming in Africa and could have a profound impact on food security across the continent. Strengthened local food production would reduce dependency on imports, create jobs, and stimulate both local and national economies. At the same time, farming rooted in sound rainwater management provides a resilient and sustainable form of agriculture. In a region increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change, Falkenmark’s insights remain more relevant than ever.

The challenge

The solution

Field Visits

Training manuals

Technical reports

World Water Week 2025

Catching Raindrops in Africa

The film launched during COP27 makes a clear statement on which direction water investments need to move towards, for improved food security in Africa.