In the second phase of NBCBN focus is on supporting a variety of research activities ranging from Local action research, Cluster and Group (CoP) research, integrated research to Multi-disciplinary research. The character of the research will remain applied and problem-solving oriented with the emphasis to generate new knowledge relevant to the Nile basin. The six research themes of the clusters have different topics for application of collaborative research but the use of Modeling and analysis tools is a common link between the different research groups. Based on this common link between clusters and the need to provide the hands on training for the researchers, NBCBN took the initiation to conduct a specific technical workshop and hands on training on the use of modeling and analysis tools and their applications in different river engineering topics focusing on the use of the SWAT Hydrological model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool).

SWAT is a river basin, or watershed, scale model developed to predict the impact of land management practices on water, sediment, and agricultural chemical yields in large, complex watersheds with varying soils, land use, and management conditions over long periods of time. The model is physically based and computationally efficient, uses readily available inputs and enables users to study long-term impacts.   The SWAT is a modeling tool with a wide range of applications that could be used by different research groups in implementing their research work. The SWAT model is already used by GIS and Modeling cluster (research group 2) but is also needed in the development of the research topics formulated by Flood Management Cluster, Kenya, Hydropower Cluster, Tanzania and River Morphology cluster in Sudan.