The Upper Breede River is a vital source of water for agriculture and local communities in South Africa’s Western Cape. As part of the Water Roadmap Collective Action Project, water availability in the area has been restored by clearing invasive plants that used up high levels of water, replanting indigenous vegetation to restore the natural ecosystem, protecting valuable agricultural land.
Problem
Solution
Impact
Problem
Plants that are non-native to South Africa use significantly more water than indigenous vegetation, leading to an estimated 4% loss of available water in the Upper Breede River catchment. Farmers along the river rely heavily on this precious water resource for irrigation, so unchecked alien vegetation threatens water availability for food production. Beyond water loss, these plants increas fire risk, erosion, and induce biodiversity decline, disrupting natural catchment processes essential to farming and community resilience.
Solution
As part of the Water Roadmap Collective Action Project, the Upper Breede River initiative:
Cleared 144 hectares of invasive plants along the river to free up natural water flow
Rehabilitated 10 riparian sites through the replanting of 2,600 saplings and sowed 21kg of seed for indigenous trees and shrubs to restore the ecosystem
Engaged ~60 local farmers to co-fund restoration and ensure long-term stewardship
The project was coordinated by WWF South Africa, in partnership with local organisations, farmers, and the Wolseley Water Users Association, aligned with the Water Roadmap’s principles of collaboration, local leadership and shared responsibility to protect water resources in key fresh produce sourcing regions.
Impact
Restoration work, clearing and replanting is improving river flow, increasing water availability downstream, and strengthening ecosystem resilience against floods. By reintroducing natural vegetation, agricultural land, vital to fresh food supply chains, has been protected against erosion and other climate-related risks.
The project created 1,389 days of employment, focusing on youth and women in local communities who previously faced unemployment. Workers gained practical skills in river restoration, planting, and land management, while farmers and landowners actively participated in rehabilitation, building knowledge and ownership over their land. The initiative strengthened trust between communities, farmers, and conservation partners, enabling a locally- led approach that integrates ecological restoration with livelihoods.
By restoring water availability and reducing flood risk, the Upper Breede River project has strengthened the resilience of the regional fruit supply chain, which is critical to the UK market. The activities of this project also directly support the strategic objectives of The Western Cape Department of Agriculture by improving the socio-economic benefits of the environmental sector, maintaining and restoring ecosystem services, and reducing threats to biodiversity.
Without a project of this nature, the system will not be able to reach the level of ecological resilience required to persevere on its own. The work is relevant not only to the initial objectives of rehabilitating the riparian zone, but also assists in climate change adaptation and other essential services. The project strives to sustain and improve environmental health through a natural resource management approach that integrates locally driven initiatives.
The biggest impact was on the social side as people didn’t have food on the table at the time. The process was led by people in the community who have an interest in the health of their environment and integrates the concept of responsible agriculture. The community wants to achieve a sustainable outcome for its people in the community, and we would not have been able to do that this year without the input from WRAP.
South Africa Collective Action Project Catchment Coordinator
