Hydrology of the Limpopo River Basin

The Limpopo River basin is located in a region classified as arid to semi-arid, where water resources are under huge pressure from the environment alone, even before human development demands are factored in (CGIAR 2003).  Therefore, water is seen as a limiting factor in development in the region (CGIAR 2003).

The hydrology of the Limpopo River basin is discussed in the following terms:

• Surface water;
• Groundwater;
• Surface water/groundwater interactions; and
• Water balance.

While this section of the Limpopo River Awareness Kit includes a great deal of information on water resources in the basin, these data have been collected from different national and international agencies, primarily for the preparation of the Joint Limpopo River Basin Study Scoping Phase Report (2010).  This report is the necessary precursor to the completion of a comprehensive resource assessment that should take place during the development of a basin-wide plan for the Limpopo River basin.  Data gathered and harmonised for this exercise will likely provide a more complete and holistic picture of the water resources of the basin.

The Motloutse River, upstream of the confluence with the Limpopo River.

Source: DiPerna 2009

( click to enlarge )

The water resources of the Limpopo River basin are shared by four countries, with significant portions of each country and national populations contained within the basin boundary. Estimates of the country area and populations within the basin are shown in the table below.

Summary of country-area and population of riparian states within the Limpopo River basin.

The water resources of the Limpopo River basin support a large population and significant economic activities, including mining and agriculture, all of which depend on water for survival and growth.