Project description

Title: Namibian Water Resources Management Review
Commissioned by: Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Country: Namibia
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
Overall term: December 2001 to December 2011

Context

Namibia is one of the driest countries in the world. High rainfall variation and the inadequate water supply infrastructure, mainly in the communal areas inhabited by the black population majority, contribute in addition to the country’s water shortage. Its scarce water resources are a substantial limitation for the socio-economic development of the country and an enormous potential for conflict. The sustainable management of the critical resource “land” and “water” are of core importance for Namibia’s ecological stability and its sustainable economic success.

Objective

The project aim is to encourage all line institutions in Namibia’s water sector to practice improved, integrated water resources management. Economic, social and ecological aspects of sustainable resource management within the framework of an integrated land and water resource management have to be taken into account.

Approach

Initially the project concentrated on taking stock of resources and on elaborating principal recommendations to re-organize the water sector. Then, the sustainable management of water catchment areas through integrated water resource management will be placed in the foreground. The Cuvelai basin in the north of the country is a regional priority area in this regard. This region is of particular importance for Namibia’s development and water policy, since nearly half of the country’s total population is living there while its economic and infrastructural development status still remains very low. The project aims at implementing a sustainable resource utilization policy focusing on the development of functional institutions and capacity development of participating groups and organizations (e.g. local user groups, technical administrators). Efforts include the improvement of coordination and cooperation processes between the Government’s technical services and all social groups participating in the utilization of water and land resources.