African Regional Working Group

Introduction

Africa's nations are not only linked geographically, but they are sharing the same natural resources and suffering similar economical backwards as well. In 1990, the Brazilian Rio de Janeiro ICID Congress has witnessed the initial cornerstone of Africa Focus Group when it was first founded during the 41st IEC meeting. Such a working group was generally recognized as a necessity to promote strong communications and networking among the African countries in order to enhance mutual coordination and cooperation.

Nine years later, in the 50th IEC meeting held in Granada, Spain, a formal declaration has announced the African Group as a regional working group with refined methodology and clearly formulated work plan. Hence the earned designation was the African Regional Working Group (AFRWG).

Establishment of AFRWG Secretariat

New Office Bearers were selected during the 13th meeting of the Group at Montreal as indicated above. This brought the idea of establishing a functional secretariat for the Group in Nigeria, through the active support of Engr. Musa, Vice President (ICID), and Chairman of the Working Group. The secretariat is to coordinate and promote activities of African Regional Working Group (AFRWG) throughout the region. The news was published in the March 2003 issue of ICID News Update. All members of the group and National Committees of Africa region were requested to contribute for strengthening the mission of the AFRWG.

The contact coordinates of the Secretariat are -

Irrigation and Drainage Department
Federal Ministry of Water Resources
P.M.B. 159, Area 1, Garki
Abuja, Nigeria

Tel: +234 9 2347394; 2342910
Fax: +234 9 2343035
E-mail : afrwg@rosecom.net

The current Principal Officers of the Working Group are :

a. Chairman - Engr. I. K. Musa, Nigeria
b. Vice Chairman - Dr. Hussam Fahmy, Egypt
c. Secretary - M. S. Bala, Nigeria

Three-Year Rolling Plan : (2001-02 to 2003-04)

Activity
2002-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
Membership drive and formation of Sub-Regional Association Appeal to all member countries to encourage their neighbouring country to join. Work towards formation of other Regional Association. Work towards formation and consolidation of other Regional Association as well as affiliation with relevant professional bodies.
Consolidate the South African and West African Regional Irrigation and Drainage Associations.  Appeal to regional bodies and relevant professional bodies to affiliate with ICID. Encourage other nations to join ICID.
Meetings Korea 52nd IEC – to firm up the work plan. Montreal - 53rd IEC to revise work plan. Montpellier – 54th IEC to revise work plan.
1st African Regional Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 2004 To discuss and agree on date, theme and topics. Call for papers and update. Conference in Cairo.
National Capacity Building for Drainage Consolidate collaboration of IPRID AND Drainage Research Institute, Egypt to commence the On-Farm Water Management Training Centre. Continue with regional workshops to assess national capacity on drainage and to exchange experiences among countries. Commence the regular training of officers at the On-Farm Water Management Training Centre, Egypt.
Countries with Regional Workshop to assess national capacity on drainage.
Regional Workshops/ Seminar To draw up programme of activities, theme, topics and tentative dates. Update programme, theme and topics. Update programme.
Networking/ Newsletter Commence production of biannual newsletter for transmission electronically. Collect additional information and prepare to create a Homepage. Create Homepage.
World Water Summit/ Forum International Conference on Freshwater Bonn, 3-7 December 2001. Rio+10 Earth Summit on Sustainable Development at Johannesburg, September 2002. 3rd WWF, Japan.
To deliberate on 2nd World Water Forum and identify activities for 3rd WWF, Japan. Finalise activities and articulate stands.