Enhancing Water Productivity with WaPOR: A Hands-On Workshop Using WaPLUGIN in QGIS
This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to using the FAO WaPOR open data and the WAPlugin in QGIS for monitoring and analyzing agricultural water productivity. Participants will learn how to download relevant WaPOR datasets and compute key water productivity indicators to support sustainable agricultural practices
Delivery method
In class, the participants will get a lecture about crop water productivity, the FAO WaPOR database and theory of the indicators. Next they follow course materials on a course platform and get guidance from the lecturer while going through the steps. At the end of the course results will be presented by the participants.
Target group
The course is designed for students and professionals (engineers, scientists and other technically oriented people) active in the water/agriculture sector. Pre-requisites are basic knowledge of computing and water-related background.
Required resources (Software and hardware)
Hardware: Laptop or PC with at least 8GB RAM, mouse, internet connection.
Software: QGIS 3.34.x (free download at http://www.qgis.org). Instructions will be given at online course platform and communicated before the course, so all participants have the software installed prior to the course.
- Describe WaPOR datasets and their significance in monitoring water productivity and efficiency in agriculture.
- Use the WaPLUGIN to directly download relevant datasets for agricultural analysis.
- Compute various indicators such as Uniformity of Water Consumption, Beneficial Fraction, Adequacy, and more using the seasonal maps and the WaPLUGIN Indicators Calculator.
- Create visually appealing maps in QGIS, adjusting color ramps, transparency, and map layout.
Date
Thursday December 12th 2024
Time
TBC
Lecturer/Instructor
Prof. Hans van der Kwast, Delft Institute for Water Education (IHE Delft) (h.vanderkwast@un-ihe.org)
Work load
6 hrs
Certification
Official QGIS certificate of completion could be rewarded.
Design of physical hydraulic models and measurements
Several approaches, including fieldwork, numerical modelling, and laboratory physical models, are used for studying flow and sediment transport in river systems. Each approach has its advantages and limitations.
Physical (scaled) models remain a very useful tool, widely applied by engineers for a broad spectrum of applications (e.g., design of hydraulic structures, river restoration works). Form-process-response interactions can be replicated intrinsically, provided a sound design of the physical model combined with accurate laboratory measurements. This is especially true when studying flow and sediment transport with local three-dimensional (3-D) features in complex geometries near structures (e.g. dams, weirs, groynes). Using physical models, the fluvial processes can be observed in a reduced time-frame, within a controlled and manageable laboratory environment. The basic aim is to ensure that the relative magnitudes of all dominant processes and their associated sediment response are the same in the model and prototype.
Similarity laws for sediment transport are far from unanimous. Sediment transport processes continue to pose a challenge when designing movable-bed physical models. Th aim of this short course is to share knowledge and gaps on the hydraulic and sediment transport scaling theory (rigid or moveable beds). Apart from the theoretical background, concepts are illustrated by various engineering applications.
It is expected that the participants have basic knowledge of river hydraulics and sediment transport. The participants are asked to bring their computers to be able to follow the hands-on exercises and get acquainted with the concept application.
Date
Thursday December 12th 2024
Time
TBC
Lecturer/Instructor
Dr. Kamal EL KADI ABDERERZZAK, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) (k.elkadiabderrezzak@cnr.tm.fr)
Work load
2h – 3h
Water Energy Food Ecosystems Nexus Course: Integrated approach to food sustainability
This course on Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus provides an in-depth exploration of sustainability assessment and integrated resource management within an interconnected, systems-based framework designed to address the mounting environmental challenges faced in regions prone to resource scarcity and climate-related stresses.
Challenges of the WEFE Nexus (One hour)
In the first part of the course, participants will delve into the key challenges surrounding the WEFE Nexus, gaining an in-depth understanding of how these essential resources are interlinked and how their management impacts both human well-being and environmental sustainability. Through case studies students will explore how factors such as climate change, population growth, and urbanization place immense pressure on the resources, often leading to trade-offs and different forms of maladaptation.
This part of the course emphasizes the interconnectedness of these sectors, examining how policy choices and management practices in one area can significantly affect energy production, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem health.
WEFE Nexus assessment (One hour)
In this part, different indicators including the Water Exploitation Index, Combined Drought Indicator, Low Flow Index, and Anomaly Hotspots of Agricultural Production. These indicators enable comprehensive assessments of water availability, drought impacts, and agricultural productivity, offering real-time data and early warning systems to support proactive food security measures.
Following these silos indicators, participants will learn on key indexes used in the WEFE Nexus, which serve as essential tools for assessing and monitoring the interdependencies among these critical resources.
The Nexus approach highlights how these resources must be managed synergistically to avoid trade-offs, balance competing demands, and maximize sustainable outcomes. Case studies from the Mediterranean region on establishing WEFE Nexus indexes will be provided
WEFE Nexus system dynamics modelling (one hour)
In this part, participants gain hands-on experience with system dynamics modeling, a key tool for simulating the complex interactions within the WEFE Nexus.
Through model-building exercises, particpnats learn to create feedback loops, stock-and-flow diagrams, and causal links that reflect the dynamic and interdependent nature of the WEFE components. This practical modeling experience not only aids in visualizing resource trade-offs but also supports effective decision-making for resource allocation, allowing students to draw actionable insights from intricate system behaviors.
By the end of the course, students are equipped with the theoretical foundation and practical skills required to approach resource sustainability in an integrated manner, preparing them to address critical issues in environmental sustainability, resource management, and food security across both local and global scales.
WEFE Nexus beyond technology (One hour)
This part focus on the WEFE Nexus goes beyond technology to explore the systemic, policy, and governance dimensions of integrated resource management.
Participants will examine how cross-sectoral strategies, policy alignment, and community engagement are essential for addressing the interconnected challenges within the WEFE Nexus, especially in regions facing resource scarcity and climate stress.
By analyzing case studies and engaging in discussions on socio-political influences, participants will gain insights into the role of institutional coordination, public awareness, and sustainable practices in ensuring resilient and equitable resource distribution. This course empowers participants with a holistic understanding of the WEFE Nexus, preparing them to drive impactful, policy-centered solutions in their professional fields.
Date
Thursday December 12th 2024
Time
TBC
Lecturer/Instructor
Prof. Ali Rhouma, PRIMA (ali.rhouma@prima-med.org)
Work load
4h – 5h