As climate change and population growth increase pressure on water, energy, and food systems, river basins must find smarter ways to manage resources. This study explores how new technologies and planning methods can make water systems more resilient and fair for all users.

Using examples from the Nile and Zambezi River basins, we show how integrated planning can reduce conflicts and improve outcomes across sectors. In Egypt, for instance, pilot tests of aquaponics (a method that combines fish farming and plant growing) saved about 88% more water than traditional farming. When combined with other solutions like desalination and wastewater reuse, these technologies could reduce tensions over water use and increase the region’s overall resilience.

In the Zambezi River Basin, we found that instead of building multiple new hydropower dams, it may be more effective to invest in fewer dams and add floating solar panels to generate electricity. This approach provides more reliable energy (12% less variable) and is better suited to future climate conditions.

Overall, the research highlights the value of system-wide thinking to find climate-smart, cost-effective, and fair solutions that balance water, energy, and food needs in complex river basins.