Document Abstract
Published:
2008
Observations on the intersections of human rights and local practice: a livelihood perspective on water
Right to water and livelihoods in southern Africa: any links?
This report explores how local water management practices incorporate water within a broader right to livelihood framework. Field research findings conducted in Zimbabwe support the existence of a right to water forming part of a broader right to livelihood. This has had significant implications for incorporating local norms and practices into water policies and management practices by local authorities.
The report further states that due to the growing inability of Zimbabwe’s urban populations to afford paying for water, pressures has been created upon the privatized Zimbabwe National Water Authority to collect monies for water usage to support themselves and water management requires greater clarity on how to use water for socially beneficial and development purposes other than simply expanding commercial water use.
The paper concludes that rural peoples’ decision making seems highly responsive and sensible in light of changing survival requirements. The policy implications depend upon how states and their ministries can be responsible to these poor peoples’ needs and requirements. Until national governments are willing to recognize alternative water management strategies and principles, the paper suggests that nothing be recommended or done for the time being.In the longer term, the paper recommends that water management broaden the idea of primary water to incorporate the right to water and livelihood. The paper similarly suggests that communal tenure rights be recognized for wetlands and small scale irrigation where appropriate and desired by farmers.
The report further states that due to the growing inability of Zimbabwe’s urban populations to afford paying for water, pressures has been created upon the privatized Zimbabwe National Water Authority to collect monies for water usage to support themselves and water management requires greater clarity on how to use water for socially beneficial and development purposes other than simply expanding commercial water use.
The paper concludes that rural peoples’ decision making seems highly responsive and sensible in light of changing survival requirements. The policy implications depend upon how states and their ministries can be responsible to these poor peoples’ needs and requirements. Until national governments are willing to recognize alternative water management strategies and principles, the paper suggests that nothing be recommended or done for the time being.In the longer term, the paper recommends that water management broaden the idea of primary water to incorporate the right to water and livelihood. The paper similarly suggests that communal tenure rights be recognized for wetlands and small scale irrigation where appropriate and desired by farmers.
