Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Coordination of land use management in relation to water resources in Iishana sub-basin, Namibia

Auteur : Shihepo F.L.G.

Etablissement de soutenance : UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft

Grade : Master of Science (MS) 2012

Résumé
Iishana sub-basin in northern Namibia is characterised by land degradation as a consequence of the land use practices being carried out. There are many organisations in the sub-basin that implement various activities for sustainable utilization of land and water resources. This research analysed the coordination of land use management strategies in relation to water resources amongst the various organisation that are operating within Iishana sub-basin and the role of the basin management committee in coordinating these. The required data was collected through literature review of documents, reports, archival records and semi-structured interviews with key experts from the various organisations. The results show that subsistence farming with large numbers of livestock being kept is the main type of land use practices in the sub-basin. The sub-basin is resided by a large human population and there are several towns as well as conservancies. Contemporary farming practices in the sub-basin are perceived to lead to soil erosion and silting of water ways. The current trend of illegal fencing in communal areas and the lack of land use planning guidelines are also perceived to contribute to land degradation in Iishana sub-basin. The various organisations addressing land and water management within the sub-basin are found to operate at various spatial levels and are not compelled to coordinate with each other. Some organisations operate in partnerships as part of their management strategies ; while donor funded projects operate within their set objectives. Results further indicate that the basin management committee has platforms in place for stakeholders to meet and share dialogues but has no legal powers to enforce participation from the organisation thus stakeholders are reluctant to participate and fully coordinate. The committee has limited human capacity to make follow-ups and disseminate information across the sub-basin. Analyses revealed that hierarchical arrangements amongst organisations in Namibia do not actively promote coordination presenting a typical ’’my territory’’ approach hence organisations operate as islands as harmonisation of operational strategies is minimal. The study recommends the ministry of agriculture to speed up the restructuring process of creating a department for basin management. More awareness should be raised for stakeholders from different organisations to understand the importance of coordination as part of integrated water resources management. The inter-ministerial committee should harmonise policies and encourage coordination in planning strategies. Land use planning policy and guidelines should be developed and adhered to. More research on appropriate management instruments for strengthening basin management specific to Namibia is needed.

Sujets  : land use management ; integrated water management ; river basins ; Namibia

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