University of Twente Student Theses
Strengthening decentralized water governance in a semi-arid environment: the case of Mariental, Namibia
David, Michael Shipepe (2021) Strengthening decentralized water governance in a semi-arid environment: the case of Mariental, Namibia.
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| Abstract: | Semi-arid environments are characterized by high rainfall variations such that they may suffer from both floods and droughts. The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has cautioned countries, especially in southern Africa to be on alert for the impact of climate change as well as changing patterns in the water cycle. In addition, there is a need for good water governance, to effectively manage water resources for countries located in a semi-arid environment, most specifically recognizing community inputs in water governance. There are concerns that the concept of community participation in water governance is used for political gains rather than being incorporated in policy-making. Other concerns include the knowledge uncertainties in water resource management. Therefore, this study focused on if and how community participation could strengthen decentralized water governance in a semi-arid environment. The Three-Layer Model of water governance, which originates from the Netherlands, is used to realize the study’s objective. The framework provided the baseline for structuring the questionnaire and adapting predefined questions that were incorporated in the questionnaire and later in qualitative data analysis. The case study was based in Mariental, Namibia where two stakeholder groups (community members and organizations in water governance) were identified for the study. Each stakeholder group had a different questionnaire used for data collection, which had the same content and slightly different questions that were appropriate for each group. The qualitative data analysis was completed in ATLAS.ti using the conceptual mapping approach, including the analysis of official documents from organizations involved in water governance. The results show that Mariental’s water governance is constituted with a well-defined content layer which includes providing clear policies to manage water resources although minor shortcomings were detected. However, the institutional and relational layers are weak in critical components (accountability, finances, and participation) essential for effective water governance. Hence, the current state of water governance in Mariental should be improved. Maintaining the content layer while improving the institutional and relational layers can strengthen the current state of water governance. Indeed, community participation in water governance will be encouraged, and their input will be valued in decision-making to reflect good water governance. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ITC: Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation |
| Programme: | Spatial Engineering MSc (60962) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/89010 |
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