This MSc thesis is a contribution to the African Water Corridor (AWC) project that gains insight into the future of water supply systems in the Sub-Saharan African small towns. The future water demand in these areas constitute a great challenge in the effort to provide safe water for everyone. Unfortunately, there are high uncertainties in the future posed by unforeseen changing factors such as global climate change and urbanization which makes it a challenge for decision-makers to develop strategies for these water supply systems in the long-term planning. The concept of resilience is introduced by many studies to address those uncertainties The objective of this thesis is to provide an approach for decision-makers to develop a resilience water supply system in small towns for long-term decision planning to answer the following research question: ‘How can a water supply system in a small African town be resilient and provide sufficient water in the future?’ This thesis presents a methodology that is resilience-based and develops reduced future supply and increased future demand scenarios for the small town in a period of 30 years. To analyze the water supply systems in small towns, Moamba has been used as a case study..

Rapid urbanisation and globalisation are bringing increasingly complex issues to the forefront. Improper planning of human activities and over exploitation of the surrounding natural resources has successfully damaged the biodiversity and the natural processes. Today humanity is at a stage where these ecosystem services are essential for our existence but the resources have been exploited beyond their capacity. In addition, climate change adds additional long-term threats due to erratic weather patterns and extreme natural events. Coastal Lagoons are one such geographical feature where such complexities are very visible. Given the high fertility of the surrounding land and the biodiversity hosted by the lagoons, they are rich resource banks for settlements to thrive on. This has led to issues like water pollution, loss of biodiversity and urban encroachment. Despite protection from the international communities like the Ramsar Convention, most wetlands are degrading everyday. The need of the hour is to find innovative middle ground solutions, where the services can be availed without degrading the environment. Further, to plan these services in a way that they are instrumental in reviving and enriching the lost ecosystem. This project attempts to present on such design and strategy for the Muni-Pomadze Lagoon (MPL) in Ghana. Considering the complexity of the issues, the project chose a interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to produce a holistic solution for the site. Further, it uses the principles of Nature-Based Design and 4-P framework (People, Planet, Prosperity and Project) to guide and reflect on the design. (van Dorst & Duijvestein 2004) This report attempts to contribute to the research on interdisciplinary design processes. Further, it aims to be a starting point and guideline for the Forestry Commission and Municipal body of Winneba, for better conservation of the Muni Lagoon.