A number of major hydropower schemes have been developed in the Zambezi river basin to ensure stable energy output. Although this main objective is well met, there is considerable scope to optimize operation of the plants. This paper presents the results of an integrated water resource management study, called the African Dams Project (ADAPTl) and focuses on how hydropower schemes can be adopted to meet environmental needs.

This report gives an early warning about what southern Africa could be facing as countries contemplate plans for more large hydropower dams in a time of climate change. The report finds that existing and proposed hydropower dams are not being properly evaluated for the risks from natural hydrological variability (which is extremely high in the Zambezi), much less the risks posed by climate change. The report’s key findings describe a region moving toward the edge of a hydrological precipice.