The integrated water resources optimization model of the Volta Basin is the primary tool for policy simulation. This integrated model is also the fundamental interface between the linked atmosphere – land surface – flow system domain and the social/policy domain.
The overall objective of the theme is to develop and to expand our software tools and methods of analysis in order to enable us to describe, simulate and forecast the structure of demand for water, and for important goods and services embodying water, at a range of spatial and temporal scales. The goal is to permit an integrated analysis of the interactions between basin climate and hydrology, water investments and management choices, growth in the agricultural and energy sectors, and the overall health and performance of the economy.
Key issues are
• to describe, simulate, and forecast the spatial and temporal structure of demand for water (on the part of society, industry, agriculture, hydropower, environment, etc.)
• to run integrated analyses of the interactions between basin climate & hydrology, water investments & management choices, growth in agricultural & energy sectors, overall health and performance of the economy.
• to create an integrated water resources optimization model encompassing interactions and links between atmosphere, land surface, flow system, socio-economics, policy, etc.
• to provide models of water use & water value to support water sector policy decisions at the regional, national and basin level.
The analysis of demand for water resources takes place on various levels, e.g. across national boundaries, regions, different economies, etc.
Sub-Projects:
Agricultural Water Demand
Non-Agricultural Water Demand
Integrated Demand Simulation Framework
» The Volta River Basin
