The Southern & Eastern Africa Rainwater Network (SearNet) hosted at the World Agroforesty Centre (ICRAF), in collaboration with member country associations has been organizing annual stakeholders’ conferences since 1998. The 14th SearNet Conference will be hosted by the Environmental Education Organization (ECOLINK) at the Bundu Lodges, Mpumalanga, South Africa, from November 13 - 18, 2011.

The overall conference objective is to facilitate sharing of experiences on research, development, promotion and adoption of rainwater harvesting and management (RHM) systems among diverse stakeholders working in Africa and other parts of the world. The conference is being co-organized by ECOLINK and SearNet secretariat.

The rationale of organizing the conference is based on the premises that RHM systems is one of the options that can enable sub-Saharan Africa strive towards meeting the MDGs and develop sustainable coping strategies for mitigating the impacts of ensuing climate change and environmental degradation. However, the level of awareness creation and rate of adoption vary from country to country. For instance, rainwater harvesting has not been accepted as a viable enterprise that can be expanded to solve the ever-growing demand for clean water in some countries. Other countries have, not only developed guidelines and clear policies, but allocated substantial financial resources for RHM projects. There is different level of involvement of development agencies and partners in supporting rainwater harvesting activities in many countries. The level of research and development in RHM also vary from one country to another.

Therefore, the conference will bring various stakeholders together to share experience with the aim of promoting RHM as a viable intervention for disaster mitigation and sustainable development. It is evident that some of the challenges of achieving the MDGs can be addressed through the adoption of RHM systems and complimentary technologies. It is envisaged that the conference will initiate a process of formulating sustainable policies, strategies and action plans for coping with persistent drought against the backdrop of anticipated devastating impacts of climate change especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Conference venue will be at the Bundu Lodges, Nelspruit Mpumalanga, South Africa. The contact details are: 

Bundu Lodges
Mpumalanga, South Africa

Telephone :+ 27 13 750 7300
Facsimile :+ 27 86 624 5163
Email: banqueting@bundulodge.co.za

Address: P.O. Box 12 , White River
1240 R538 Numbi Gate Road
White River, South Africa
Website: www.bundulodge.co.ke

Additonal accomodation at:

Protea Hotel The Winkler
Email: facilities@winkler.co.za

 

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ABOUT (NELSPRUIT) MPUMALANGA
The term ‘Mpumalanga’ locally in Swazi, Xhosa, and Zulu means the ‘the place where the sun rises’. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area.The capital is Nelspruit (recently renamed to Mbombela). Mpumalanga offers you from exhilarating wildlife, to secluded mountain retreats, wild water sports and some of South Africa's most diverse and vibrant African cultures. Mpumalanga is not a highly developed province with large cities and towns - instead, visitors to the province are brought closer to nature.

Language
The business language in South Africa is English and the mother tongue in 4 Mpumalanga province is SiSwati and Zulu. English is widely spoken in all the hotels, shops and lodges in South Africa.

Weather in November, December
This is the beginning of the rainy season in Mpumalanga South Africa, and it is expected to be wet on some of the days. The mean maximum temperature in November/ December is 30°C whereas the mean minimum temperature is 15°C. Warm clothing is recommended during the nights.

Currency
South Africa's currency unit is the Rand (ZAR). The exchange rate is about R7.5 to a US Dollar. Changing money is easily done through Bureau de Change and in hotels. International credit cards can be used for payments at Bundu Lodge and at some restaurants. Note that most of the ATM machines in South Africa also accept VISA and Mastercard withdrawals, in local currency. In case of Travellers Cheques, please note that original purchase slips (original Bank advice slips) and passport will be required by the Bank for all transactions for local currency.

Telephone Services
Land line service is widely available, while mobile service operators are Vodacom and MTM South Africa. You can purchase prepaid Cell phone sim-cards on arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport. Top-up cards (units) are also available in denominations of R5, R10, R12, R15, R29, R30, R55, R60 and R110. Internet Cafes are also available at Bundu Lodges and in Nelspruit Town.

Transport
Local Taxis are available from most of the hotels. Please enquire at the Reception of the hotel/lodges. It is generally not safe to move around South Africa at night alone. If you have to move at night, do so in groups, or use a Taxi called by your hotel reception. Please negotiate the fair before you get into the taxi.

Bank Business Hours
South Africa has more than 6 distinctive banks, First National Bank, Stanbic Bank, First Merchant Bank, Capitec Investment Bank, Standard Bank, ABSA Bank and all have branches within driving (5 -10 minutes) distances from the venue of the workshop. All banks offer foreign exchange facilities at minimal commission per exchange. All businesses are open week-days from 08:00 hours - 15:30 hours, Saturdays 08:30 hours - 11:00 hours. There are also a number of authorised Forex Bureau operators close in Nelspruit town. 

Time
South Africa is one hour behind East Africa , 9 hours ahead of North America and UK.

Security
In keeping with the acceptable practice elsewhere in the world, visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of hotel safe deposit boxes or safes. Visitors should not carry large sums in cash on their persons while walking on the streets: there are master pickpockets here and there. Lady visitors are advised to be careful with their handbags in crowded places and busy streets. As in all major cities, walking at night alone should be avoided. It is advisable to always take those precautions you would take anywhere.

Electricity voltage
220/230 volts, 50 Hz, AC. The plug in use is of the South Africa round pin, 15 amp type.

The conference is designed to facilitate sharing of experiences in rainwater harvesting and management (RHM) through presentation of technical papers and posters on planning research and development activities. It will be a forum for information exchange on rainwater harvesting and management amongst professionals and stakeholders through technical paper presentations, discussions and field excursions.

It will also be a platform for creating partnerships in solving water scarcity problems, floods, famine, droughts, environmental degradation and water-borne diseases affecting many regions of the world.

Participants are requested to register online for the conference

CONFERENCE THEME
"Scaling up Rainwater Harvesting Innovation for climate change mitigation and adaptation"

CONFERENCE SUB-THEMES
There will be five sub-themes selected to address different aspects of water harvesting and management. Each sub-theme will have the following as cross-cutting issues: Rainwater contribution to MDGs; Environmental, Social, Economic, Policy, Legal & Institutional issues.

Sub-Theme 1: Livelihood Based Innovations and Community Empowerment for Climate Change Adaptation
Sub-Theme 2: Approaches to Upscaling and Outscaling Rainwater Harvesting Technologies and Innovations
Sub-Theme 3: Greenwater Management Techniques for Agricultural & Environmental Sustenance
Sub-Theme 4: National and Regional Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation in the Environment, Food and Sanitation nexus
Sub-Theme 5: Micro Financing Opportunities for Rainwater Harvesting in East and Southern Africa.

The tentative conference programme is as follows:

Sunday 13th November 2011
Arrival at Mpumalanga (for the international participants) and Registration

Monday 14th November 2011
Registration (continued)

Opening Session

Address by Guest of honor
Keynote address

Plenary Session 1

Workshop 1
Workshop 2

Plenary Session 2
Reception

Tuesday 15th November 2011

Workshop 3
Workshop 4

Plenary Session 3

Wednesday 16th November 2011

Workshop 4
Workshop 5

Plenary Session 4

Thursday 17th November 2011

Field visits:
Plenary session 5: Field visits review

Friday 18th November 2011
Plenary Session 4: Reports from National Associations
Conference Review
Closing Ceremony
Departures

Environmental Education Organization (ECOLINK)
Ecolink is a non-governmental, not-for-profit and non-partisan environmental education and development NGO. Ecolink works with government departments other NGOs and CBO. In hosting the 14th SEARNET Conference ECOLINK is working with the South Africa Rainwater Harvesting Network, local municipality and government departments who are all members of the Local organizing committee.

Southern and Eastern Africa Rainwater Network (SearNet)
SearNet is a regional network operating in 10 countries in southern and eastern Africa and its members are national rainwater associations. SearNet has over the last 13 years supported the establishment and strengthening of national associations, with the aim of enhancing promotion and adoption of rainwater harvesting management

World Agroforestry Centre
Established in 1978 as ICRAF, The World Agroforestry Centre is part of the alliance of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centres dedicated to generating and applying the best available knowledge to stimulate agricultural growth, raise farmers’ incomes and protect the environment. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, The World Agroforestry Center operates five regional offices located in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi and Mali, and conduct research in 18 other countries around the developing world and continues to agroforestry research in developing countries

Registration fees :
Each participant will be required to make a contribution of USD 950, which will cover the following costs associated with conference: facilities and equipment, accommodation (standard rooms), provision of lunch and refreshments during the workshop, transport (local transport at conference town), as well as secretarial support. Participants who pay before September 30th 2011 will pay USD 950, and those paying after and/ or upon arrival will pay USD 1000.Deadline for confirmation of participation to the workshop is 1st November 2011

Participants are requested to register online

Important Dates
Deadline for registration and confirmation of participation: October 15, 2011
Deadline for submission of Abstracts:August 15, 2011
Deadline for confirmation of participation: November 1, 2011
Conference dates: 13 November - 18 November, 2011
Receipt of conference materials by registered participants:12 November 2011

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Getting to Nelspruit Mpumalanga
Nelspruit Mpumalanga is served by one airport, the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is approximately 30 km from Nelspruit city centre. Participants need to make sure they make their bookings direct to Kruger International Airport from their destination of origin. Some participants can choose to book up to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and drive to Nelspruit, but please take note that Nelspruit is 450 km away from Johannesburg, and requires a 4 -5 hour drive. It is highly recommended that participants try as much as possible to arrive direct to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. 

Travel Arrangements
Participants are requested to process their travel arrangements/flight bookings, as well as arrangements for obtaining a visa. They are advised to book flights well in advance. Transfers from the airport to the hotel will be arranged by the ECOLINK if the arrival information is provided in time. Participants should notify Mr. William Rukasha on (email: rukashaw@yahoo.com, and copy searnet@cgiar.org, info@ecolink.za.org) of arrival/departure dates (flight number and time) by Friday 11th November 2011 in order to ensure transfer arrangements are in place. Participants will be met at the Kruger International Airport by someone holding a 14th SEARNET Identification Banner. NB: It is important to indicate your flight numbers and dates of arrival to and departure from South Africa, so please confirm your flight details first.

Visa Requirements
Upon receipt of invitation letter from ECOLINK or SearNet, the participants can start processing visa or enquire entry requirements from the nearest South African Embassy.
If participants are from any other country requiring a visa before arrival, we would request that you submit an application at the nearest South African Embassy. It is NOT possible to get a visa on arrival.

Vaccinations
Please ensure vaccination against yellow fever and cholera; it will be requested upon your entry into South Africa. You should, for your own protection, also take a preventive anti-malarial drug for Nelspruit Mpumalanga area.

Accommodation
All Participants will be booked in the following Bundu Lodge and Conference Centre as part of the conference package. Cost of accommodation for participants is included in the USD950 Conference Fees. All bookings will be made by the ECOLINK. Please note that accommodation will be booked only from the night of 13th November to morning of 18 November, 2011. The conference will end at 1300hrs on 17th November and participants will have a cocktail/ dinner later in the evening. Those wishing to arrive earlier than 13th November, or leave later than 18th November, will have to contact the organisers who will assist them with arrangements for the extra nights.

Workshop Documents and Materials
All participants wishing to present papers at the conference are requested to submit their full papers Mr Manqoba Dlamini on ligwalagwala@yahoo.com and cc searnet@cgiar.org, info@ecolink.za.org no later than 30th of September, 2011.

Secretariat
Participants are requested to register online at www.searnet.org/conference. Deadline for confirmation of participation to the workshop is 1st November 2011. Collection of hard copies and other conference materials (such as an identification badge allowing access to the meeting room), late payments, will take place on Sunday 13th November 2011 from 17:00 to 22:00 in the reception area of the Bundu Lodge. There will also be another “Registration Desk” located in the Secretariat at the venue of the conference, from 8:00 to 8:30 am on 14th November 2011. The Secretariat will operate at the Conference Venue from the afternoon of Sunday 13th - Friday 18th, November, 2011.

 

For various logistical details please contact the following:

 

ECOLINK
Travel Arrangements:
Mr. William Rukasha
Tel: + 27 13 751 2120
Fax: +27 13 751 3287
Mobile: +27 74 529 1372
E-mail rukashaw@yahoo.com CC info@ecolink.za.org 

Abstracts, Papers, Presentations
Mr. Manqoba Dlamini
Tel: + 27 13 751 2120
Fax: +27 13 751 3287
Mobile: +27 82 516 4108
E-mail: ligwalagwala@yahoo.com CC info@ecolink.za.org

SearNet Secretariat
Ms. Rose Kaggwa Mindu
ICRAF Building, Gigiri
P.O. Box 30677-00100, GPO
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (+254 20) 722 4422/24
Via USA: (+1 650) 8336645
Email: searnet@cgiar.org;  R.Kaggwa@cgiar.org;
Website: www.searnet.org/ conference

 

Successful 14th SearNet International Conference

The fourteenth SearNet conference which took place from the 13th to the 18th November 2011 in Mpumalanga was hosted by Environmental Education Organization (ECOLINK) with support from SearNet and the World Agroforestry Centre.

This conference had a total of 60 participants, 24 being international participants. The conference was supported by CTA, RAIN Foundation, CORDAID and DARDLA (Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration).

With the theme of “Scaling up Rainwater Harvesting Innovation for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”, participants presented papers emanating from studies or projects covering the following sub-themes: Livelihood Based Innovations and Community Empowerment for Climate Change Adaptation, Approaches to Upscaling and Outscaling Rainwater Harvesting Technologies and Innovations, Greenwater Management Techniques for Agricultural & Environmental Sustenance, National and Regional Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation in the Environment, Food and Sanitation nexus and Micro Financing Opportunities for Rainwater Harvesting in East and Southern Africa.

Highlights of the 12th SearNet Conference included the diverse presentations on RWH, field excursion to project sites and SearNet Chairmanship mantle moving from Ethiopia to South Africa. Mr. Sorssa Natea of the Ethiopia Rainwater Harvesting Association was the outgoing Chair and Mr. Moses Makhweyane of DARDLA is the new Chairperson of SearNet for the year 2012. He will hold this position for one year.

Among the conclusions and recommendations reached during the conference were - the need for RWH Associations to fundraise for the conference and network more with each other - West African countries to forward their applications to join SearNet and become members - Best practices and success stories presented during the conference to be applied on a local level by each RWH Association - The need to strengthen SearNet through fundraising such that it is able to sponsor participants to present at the annual conference.

At the conclusion of the conference, it was decided that the 15th SearNet International Conference will be held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The proceedings of the 14th SearNet Conference will be made available for all to download.