A UN agency has commissioned Shatoot Consultants to develop a Watershed Water Security Plan for vulnerable communities in Kandahar Province. The project focuses on the sustainable management of unconfined aquifers in three districts of Kandahar, which face increasing groundwater stress due to climate variability and over-abstraction. The core objective is to design an evidence-based Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) strategy that strengthens groundwater resilience through hydrological and hydrogeological analysis, geospatial assessments, field investigations, and participatory stakeholder engagement. The project unfolds in three sequential phases: baseline assessment, technical feasibility study, and MAR strategy and planning, culminating in a comprehensive technical report to guide the future programming and investments.

Activities and Deliverables 

Baseline Assessment & Preliminary Feasibility Screening

• Review and synthesis of geological, hydrological, climatic, and socio-economic datasets

• Groundwater trend and vulnerability analysis

• Household surveys and key informant interviews

• Development of a Water Stress Index (WSI) and vulnerability maps

• GIS-based recharge potential and MAR suitability mapping using MCDA and AHP

• Preliminary water balance estimation and demand projections

• Stakeholder mapping and institutional readiness assessment

Technical Feasibility Study

• Source water assessment using hydrological models (SWAT, HEC-HMS) and climate scenarios

• Water quality sampling and pollution risk mapping

• Hydrogeological investigations: borehole logging, pumping tests, ERT, VES

• Strengthening groundwater monitoring networks

• Community engagement: participatory planning tools, training, and consultations

• Validation of MAR site selection and preliminary engineering designs

• Development of monitoring and O&M frameworks

MAR Strategy and Planning 

• Synthesis of technical, environmental, and social findings

• Integrated MAR and watershed water security strategy

• Cost–benefit analysis and prioritization of interventions

• Compilation of datasets, maps, models, and designs

• Preparation of final technical report and dissemination materials