The Master of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) at Somali National University is a specialized program designed to address the complex challenges of water resource management in Somalia and the broader region. This interdisciplinary course combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills, focusing on sustainable water use, policy development, and community engagement.

Students will explore topics such as hydrology, environmental management, and socio-economic factors impacting water resources. The program aims to equip graduates with the expertise needed to develop innovative solutions for effective water resource management, promoting resilience and sustainability in water usage across various sectors.

Objectives of the program

The following are the recommended general objectives of the IWRM Master’s Program

1. To develop an understanding of factors and processes accounting for the occurrences and movement of water in the atmosphere, on and below the land surface, and how humans affect both the quantity and quality of water resources.
2. To impart skills for collecting and analyzing relevant data for assessing spatial and temporal variability of both the quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater
3. To develop the capacity for identifying and analyzing water resources management problems, formulate appropriate and feasible solutions for the conditions in Somalia, and in line with IWRM principles and the national sustainable development goals.

 

 Duration

The IWRM Master’s Degree Program will have a duration of two years in line with all master’s degree program at the Somalia National University. Each year is divided into two semesters, with each semester being 20 weeks.

 

Program Structure

The program has a taught component and a research component. There shall be 16 taught modules out of which 12 are Core Modules and 4 are Elective Modules.

The research component will require a student to develop and present a research proposal, and when approved, the student will collect, analyzing data, and write a dissertation for examination. The research component will be done during the second semester of the second year of study.

 

Outline of Courses:

CORE Courses

1.      Principles of Integrated Water Resources Management 2.      Principles of Hydrology 3.      Fundamentals of Water Quality Management 4.      Water and Ecosystems 5.      Water Governance

6.      GIS and Remote Sensing Applications for Water Resources Management 7.      Groundwater Assessment and Development 8.      Water Resources Economics and Financing 9.      Water Resources Planning 10.  Climate Change and Adaptation for Integrated Water Resources Management

ELECTIVE MODULES

1.      Water Treatment and Supply Systems 2.      Wastewater and Fecal Sludge Management 3.      Water Resources Information Systems 4.      Gender Mainstreaming in Integrated Water Resources Management

RESEARCH

1.      Research Methods 2.      Group Work Project 3.      Dissertation