When participation in not enough : lessons from decentralised water governance in Namibia
Date
2018-06
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Abstract
This Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) study shows that although participation of local actors is a key tenet of decentralisation, in reality it can be tokenistic or non-existent. In Namibia, rural communities’ Water Point Associations run and maintain water points. Water Point Committees consist of volunteers with members responsible for opening taps and collecting user fees. Most have high levels of illiteracy and live in poverty; they find it difficult to balance their water point responsibilities with doing what they need to survive, such as farming. Effective water governance requires clear division of responsibilities and proper platforms for coordination.
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Policy Brief
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Keywords
WATER SUPPLY, WATER MANAGEMENT, SEMI-ARID REGIONS, PARTICIPATORY DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL LEVEL, WATER GOVERNANCE, RURAL POVERTY, NAMIBIA, SOUTH OF SAHARA