Calls for new paradigms in water resource management have emerged from a broad
range of commentators over the past decade. These calls arose as it became increasingly
clear that the pressing problems in the water resource management have to be tackled
from an integrated perspective, taking into account interdependent economic, societal,
environmental, institutional and technological factors. Adhering to the calls, Namibia
introduced various development and management approaches involving water, land and
related resources with the objective of maximizing the resultant economic and social
welfare in an equitable manner and without compromising the sustainability of vital rural
ecosystems. Integrated management systems pursue the democratization of water
resources through increased stakeholder participation. However, understanding the
barriers to integrated and adaptive management requires a critical reflection on
conventional modes of governance. In this regard, Namibia has achieved great strides by
shifting from public water management systems and processes towards increased
community-based management of water resources.
This paper investigates how newly formed collective action institutions which form a part
of a recently introduced rural water supply reform impact on the natural resources
management in three communal areas of Namibia. The analysis takes into account
effects of the historic lack of decision-making power over natural resources of the rural
communities on the management of their newly acquired rights and responsibilities.
Moreover, the shift from perceiving water as a free public good to valuing it as an
economic good by means of introducing a full cost-recovery facet, calls for an analysis of
reform effects on household livelihoods.
An important aspect is that reform results vary across regions. New water institutions
have gradually taken over wider functions in some communities, while competing with
older local institutions in others. Impacts on livelihoods differ in particular due to socioeconomic,
environmental and technological factors. Our research shows the need for a
regionally adapted implementation of integrated decentralization policies.