Event:Africa Wiki Challenge 2026/Communication
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- Water for Life in Africa: Preserving Knowledge, Protecting Our Future*
Water is more than a natural resource. It is the foundation of life, the heartbeat of communities, and the driving force behind economic growth, agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability. Across Africa, water connects people, cultures, ecosystems, and livelihoods in countless ways. Yet, despite its importance, many stories about Africa’s water resources, innovations, challenges, and solutions remain untold or underrepresented in global knowledge spaces. That is true of little known spaces in Ghana, West Africa.
The theme “Water for Life in Africa” serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role water plays in shaping the continent’s present and future. It calls on individuals to document, improve, and share knowledge about Africa’s diverse water ecosystems while highlighting both the opportunities and challenges surrounding water access and management. This contribution seeks to highlight the importance of the Wli Waterfalls in the Volta Region, an area of outstanding beauty, brought to the world stage when the Akosombo Dam was built across the Volta River between 1961 and 1965 to produce the World’s largest man made lake.
- The Lifeline of a Continent* Africa is home to some of the world’s most remarkable water bodies, including vast rivers, lakes, wetlands, and underground water reserves. These resources support millions of people by providing drinking water, irrigation for farming, transportation routes, fisheries, energy production, and habitats for wildlife. Ghana is rich in water resources - Lake Bosomtwi, Ghana’s only natural lake has 2 stories of origin. The scientific one, is that it is an impact crater when a meteor hit the earth. The more interesting story is found in Asante folklore, the creation of the lake is attributed to divine intervention. According to oral tradition, around 1648, a hunter named Akora Bompe was chasing a wounded antelope through the dense rainforest. Just as the hunter was about to catch the animal, the antelope suddenly disappeared into what appeared to be a small magical pond. The pond rapidly swelled, creating the vast lake. Unable to catch his prey, Bompe settled on the shores and began fishing. He named the body of water "Bosomtwe," which translates to "Antelope God". The beauty of the legend is that it has led to taboos and behaviour which have protected the lake from over fishing and other environmental stresses. The Volta, the Birim, Ayensu, Densu, Ankobra and Tano have become more widely known beyond their villages as the illegal and irresponsible mining devastates the landscape. For many communities, water is deeply woven into cultural traditions and daily life. It sustains families, enables businesses to thrive, and supports food production that feeds entire nations. Without reliable access to water, education, healthcare, economic development, and social well-being become increasingly difficult.
Wli waterfall, also known as Agumatsa Fall feeds the entire Wli Todzi village all year-round. Agumatsa means “allow me to flow!” Elders say the upper fall, which drop 80m only roars fully after heavy rains, and villagers time planting around the sound. That living calendar isn’t in most hydrology reports but is very much a part of local knowledge. Legend has it that the fall was discovered by hunters who thought they heard drumming were drawn by the sound, went towards it, only to discover the falls.
- Africa’s Rich Water Ecosystems* The continent’s ecosystems are closely linked to the availability and quality of water. Wetlands filter pollutants, rivers nourish farmlands, and lakes support biodiversity that contributes to ecological balance. Ghana has 5 protected wetlands: Muni, Densu Delta, Sakumono Ramsar Site, Keta important for migratory birds & Songor where the Volta enters the sea. These ecosystems provide essential environmental services that help regulate climate patterns, reduce the impacts of floods and droughts, and support countlessplant and animal species. Protecting these natural systems is not only important for conservation but also for ensuring sustainable livelihoods for future generations. Environmental Activists face opposition from developers who only see the real estate value of open spaces, failing to hear the underlying stories of life which underpin communities and the climate. The current Gold Rush in Ghana puts additional pressure on the pristine environment by irresponsible and careless mining which does not value the careful ecological balance which sustains life. The growing pressure from urbanisation, pollution, deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable resource use faced by these delicately balanced ecosystems suggest that we need to rediscover the legends and narratives of these precious spaces so the pressure of ‘get rich quick schemes’ is balanced by an older narrative of living in balance with nature. The forest around Wli is a sacred grove. It is also home to rare bats and butterflies. Local guides share stories of how the mist from the falls keeps nearby cocoa and yam alive even in dry spells. That microclimate role is rarely documented.
- Innovation Driving Water Solutions* Across Africa, individuals, organisations, researchers, and entrepreneurs are developing innovative approaches to address water-related challenges. From solar-powered water pumps and smart irrigation systems to community-based water projects and water purification technologies, innovation continues to transform lives. Whilst the use of technology is welcome, valuing ancient ways and legends could provide an approach which engages communities in protecting our precious resources.
Many local solutions are proving effective in improving access to clean water, particularly in underserved and rural communities. These innovations demonstrate the creativity and resilience of Africans who are working to solve pressing challenges using locally relevant approaches. Documenting and sharing these success stories helps inspire further innovation while ensuring that valuable knowledge can be accessed and replicated by others. The Youth in Wli built simple gravity-fed pipes from the lower fall to the school and clinic. The walk for water dropped from 1 hour to 10 minutes, and the system is maintained by the community without external funding.
- The Challenges We Cannot Ignore* Despite significant progress in many areas, water-related challenges continue to affect millions of people across the continent.
Many communities still struggle with inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Climate change has intensified droughts and floods in several regions, affecting food security and economic stability. Pollution from industrial activities, waste disposal, and environmental degradation threatens both human health and natural ecosystems. Population growth and rapid urbanisation place additional pressure on already stretched water resources. These challenges require coordinated action from governments, communities, development partners, researchers, and citizens. Understanding these issues begins with accurate information and widespread awareness. By documenting the realities faced by different communities, we create opportunities for dialogue, advocacy, and sustainable solutions. In Wli Todzi, during dry-season bushfire now burn closer to the catchment each year, sending more silt into the pools below the fall. Villagers say the water turns brown faster than it did some years ago. Other people too are cutting down trees around the waterfall. Remembering the old legends about protecting the environment could change destructive behaviour and protect our waterways.
- The Power of Knowledge Sharing* Knowledge is a powerful tool for change. When information is accessible, communities can make informed decisions, researchers can build upon existing work, and policymakers can develop evidence-based solutions.
Sharing knowledge about Africa’s water resources helps bridge information gaps and ensures that African experiences, innovations, and perspectives are represented on global platforms. It also empowers future generations to learn from both past and present efforts to manage water sustainably. Every article written, every image uploaded, and every piece of verified information contributes to a broader understanding of how water shapes life across the continent. Oral histories in Wli mark which pools are safe after storms and which have strong undercurrents, recording these stories with GPS and photos would protect the children who fetch water and the tourists who visit.
- Building a Sustainable Future* Securing Africa’s water future requires collective responsibility. Governments must invest in infrastructure and policy implementation. Communities must value their cultural heritage and the knowledge embedded in the stories and legends. Embracing sustainable water management practices would also be helpful. Researchers and innovators must continue developing solutions that address local needs. Citizens must advocate for environmental protection and responsible water use.
At the heart of these efforts lies the need for knowledge - knowledge that informs action, inspires innovation, and promotes accountability. The theme “Water for Life in Africa” is not simply about water itself. It is about people, communities, ecosystems, and the shared responsibility of preserving one of our most valuable resources. By documenting Africa’s water stories, celebrating its innovations, acknowledging its challenges, and promoting sustainable solutions, we contribute to a future where clean, accessible water remains a reality for all.
_*Water is life. Protecting it, understanding it, and sharing its story is a responsibility we all share.*_
Flier/Press Materials
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Souvenir Design Guide and Tools
[edit]Design Guide
[edit]For organisers who may want to print souvenirs like shirts and create their own materials, here's a guide for you below. You are free to experiment and try new things as much as possible but do stay within the colours and guides provided.
Interested in downloading the mock up? Find it here
Photographic Manipulation Tools
[edit]Please consider using the following design tools if you wish to create your own branding. Many of the applications listed below require specialist knowledge of design and photographic principles. Some tools like Inkscape are free and open source however, there are many other platforms that can help you if you are new to communications and design, especially these non-open source platforms.
These are not open source, but many have a free 'plan' that allows limited functionality:
Note: The following is a list of (mostly) open source options.
Design Creation and Manipulation Tools
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Note: While many of these products are exceptional we do not recommend or endorse one over another. Always be careful when downloading software.
Logo and Campaign Colors
[edit]The AWC Official Logo and Colors, for when you create your own campaign materials.
#000000
R0, G0, B0
C91, M79, Y62, K97
#D1372D
R209, G55, B45
C11, M89, Y85, K2
#FFD245
R255, G210, B69
C0, M18, Y79, K0
Social Media Connectivity
[edit]Follow Our Socials
[edit]Get in touch with us on any concerns or inquiries via our social media platforms. Follow our pages to stay updated with campaign announcements and office hour sessions. Comment, tag friends, and share posts to help the Africa Wiki Challenge gain more visibility.
Make Your Own Posts
[edit]We realize you may want to personalize your call to enter or mention your own events happening locally, but please make sure you note the following:
- Use the contest color palette above.
- Include the hashtag #africawikichallenge and #africawikichallenge2026 on all your posts.
- When writing about a local event, include the location or country in your post.
- The competition is open to Africans everywhere.
- Content should relate to the subject matter "Reclaiming Our Narrative: Justice for Africans and the Diaspora through Reparation".
- You can enter as many times as you like.
- All content entered is subject to a Creative Commons licence.
- The competition runs from 25th May – 31st July, 2026.
Please feel free to use any of the following hashtags:
- #AWC26
- #AfricaWikiChallenge
- #AWC2026
- #AWC26[your country] e.g. #AWC26Ghana
- #AWC26[your group/affiliation] e.g. #AWC26MyOrganization
- #AWC2026[your group/affiliation]
- #OpenFoundation
- #LiquidHeritage
- #WaterAndSanitation
- #AfricanWaterSystems
- #WaterHeritageAfrica
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- #ClimateAndWater
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[edit]Join the conversation through our Telegram and WhatsApp platforms for participants and organisers. Connect with other contributors, ask questions, and share inspiration.
