Water Governance Group @ Bradford

This study proposes a framework for analysing impacts of different water governance arrangements on the poor

Documents

Men moving cattle accross a river

Water Governance and Poverty: What Works for the Poor?

This study is concerned with water and its impact on the poor. It focuses on how water governance can be made to work for the poor and most disadvantaged levels of society. The study was funded by DfID and carried out within the context of a re-examination of Dfid’s  strategy for water, following the publication of its Water Action Plan.

Data for this research was collected through reflective practitioner case studies and  literature review. The data was analysed through the lens of a conceptual framework developed iteratively from empirical and theoretical insights.

In the framework we suggest key resources from which the mechanisms of water governance are drawn: institutional resources, social structures, rights and entitlements, financial resources, human capabilities (particularly physical embodiment), the natural environment and technology.
   
Resources are drawn upon in differing ways by various actors (individuals, groups, the state) to construct water governance. Resources are shaped through ’mechanisms’; particular context–specific arrangements for organising access to water governance. Outcomes (positive and negative) for the poor of particular arrangements for water access can be seen at a variety of levels. These include impacts on basic access to water, on livelihoods and on social inclusion and  political voice.

From our analysis we identify a major area in which our understanding of how to achieve pro-poor impacts is lacking.  This relates to the broad question:
’How does community level water governance work and how can it be supported to ensure pro-poor outcomes? ’ The report identifies a number of sub questions which need to be addressed in order to address this issue. 

The following pages include:

  • An overview report which elaborates the conceptual framework and supporting data,
  • Two annotated bibliographies (generated by different methods)
  • A data base of Reflective Case Studies (RCS).

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