South Africa’s innovation in agricultural water management has been recognised on the global stage, with the national delegation claiming honours across six award categories at the 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4). The South African National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SANCID) led the award-winning delegation at the event, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 07–13 September 2025.

Dr Zanele Ntshidi, Research Manager: Arid Lands Node at the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), was a member of the delegation and among the award winners. Her team’s Decision Support System (DSS) for irrigation scheduling earned the Forum’s Wastage Award for Innovative Water Management. The tool developed by her team helps optimise irrigation by estimating plant water needs, crop coefficients, microclimate conditions, and yield potential.

Dr Ntshidi first showcased this innovative tool at the 2nd Kenya National Research Festival in August 2025, where she was part of a panel discussion that focused on accelerating and upscaling agricultural technologies and digital innovations for sustainable agriculture.

The WatSave Awards, established by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in 1997, honour innovations that lead to measurable water savings in agriculture. These awards are presented to individuals or teams after an evaluation by an international panel of judges, where there are demonstrations of actual water savings achieved through the use of the innovation. Team South Africa won under the Innovative Water Management category, where the resulting estimated water savings ranged between 500 – 1000 m3/ha/y depending on fruit tree species.

Says Dr Ntshidi, “This recognition is a result of consistent efforts put into agricultural water management to save the irreplaceable natural resource that is water and advocating for water use efficiency without compromising crop yields. This ensures both water and food security—two of most important necessities for human survival and bodily functions. This recognition is also an encouragement to do more. I will not only continue long term research but also ensure that the impact of such efforts is felt across society, that science is conducted for the improvement of people's lives.”

Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, NRF-SAEON Managing Director, says: “Dr Ntshidi’s achievement exemplifies our commitment to conducting research that is both locally relevant and globally competitive. It also exemplifies the impact of innovative science that addresses pressing challenges in agriculture and water management, with benefits that extend beyond local communities to the wider world. This recognition is a proud moment for South Africa and a testament to the excellence of our scientists.”

In another significant achievement, South Africa celebrated the inclusion of four irrigation structures into the World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) register. These are:

• Darlington Dam
• Hartbeespoort Dam
• Koppies Dam
• Woodhead Dam

Researchers from NRF-SAEON, the Water Research Commission (WRC), the Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch University, and the Department of Agriculture proudly received these historic awards, flying the South African flag on this global platform.

Additionally, Team South Africa celebrated the WRC receiving the Best Paper Award, bringing the total number of award categories won to six—a proud achievement that highlights South Africa’s role in representing Africa on the global stage.