Initial phase: taking a deep dive
In 2025, the Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN) launched the first phase of its programme in Mozambique. In this initial phase, a consortium of Mozambican experts is conducting a joint deep dive to explore transition pathways and systemic levers for just water management in a changing climate. The results of this deep dive will be presented and validated during an agenda-building workshop, in which we will define the transition pathways for the next phase of the programme.
Towards a transition narrative
The deep dive aims to gain understanding of existing systems and path dependencies, identifying potential alternatives and opportunities for change, and addressing the structural barriers and enablers that can either block or accelerate progress. This will lead to a transition narrative: A collectively created story line that describes (1) the current (social, political, economic, etc) water system and (2) pathways and examples to work towards a new future. With this narrative, the deep dive is not solely an analytical exercise; it is also a collaborative learning process that supports agenda setting for collaborative action.
Second phase: towards action
The second phase of the programme is expected to start at the end of 2026. This phase will explore transition pathways through action-oriented knowledge projects. The knowledge agenda that identified transition pathways in phase 1 forms the basis of these projects.
Crutzen workshop June 18 in Maputo
We have our eyes closed. 50 people in a circle. Outside. A breeze flows through the garden outside of the conference hall. The voice of Ana Magaia, a famous Mozambican artist, leads us to our grandmothers. An image of her carrying a bucket of water appears. What was the value of water to our ancesters? What could it be for our children? This was just one of many special moments, during our agenda-building workshop in Maputo, held last week.
During the last few months, a diverse project team of Mozambican experts has been working on a transition analysis of the water sector in Mozambican. Through a systemic lense, they identified how current structures are being pressured by climate change. And what should be addressed under the surface (socially, economically, culturally, politically, etc.) to move forward. During the Crutzen workshop on the 18th of June, the team presented their findings. Together with a group of dedicated professionals from different disciplines, we discussed how the outcomes link to their own realities. And how we can create actions that create systemic change.
What we experienced during the day:
· Open discussions between youth, senior academics and practitioners.
· Reflection and the willingness to learn from what hasn’t worked until now.
· Enthusiasm to stay involved and to create a coalition of the willing.
· Leadership to shape a knowledge-in-action agenda that makes a difference.
· Movement by connecting people’s knowledge to their hearts and dedication.
A big applause for the project team (Dinis Juízo, Alda Salomão, Clemêncio Nhantumbo, Genito Maure, Nícia Giva, André Machava) and all who have contributed to the workshop (Ana Magaia, Gércia Biza, Olga Mufanequisso, Katrien van Krieken, Azinaida Macomole).
Curious to know more? Soon we’ll share the transitions analysis and our next steps. For questions, please reach out to KINglobal@nwo.nl.
Programme Committe Global Transitions
To monitor the quality of the activities within the Global Transitions programme line, a programme committee of international experts advices the KIN on its activities. It acts as a quality monitor for the programmes, focusing on both scientific and societal quality and the potential impact of the activities. The Programme Committee represents a diversity of national and international knowledge and expertise from various sectors. Read more about the Programme Committee Global Transitions via the button below.
