Grey, engineered water infrastructure (e.g. dams, irrigation systems, dykes etc) is a cornerstone of socio-economic development and poverty alleviation. Countries without adequate infrastructure are typically amongst the world’s poorest, “held hostage” to the natural vagaries of climate and water. Inability to manage variability in rainfall and river flows is a significant impediment to economic growth, and despite indigenous knowledge and locally devised adaptation strategies, often undermines livelihoods and peoples’ well-being.