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Washing away poverty: Water, democracy and gendered poverty eradication in South Africa

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  • Barbara Schreiner
  • Ndileka Mohapi
  • Barbara Van Koppen

Abstract

This article discusses ways in which the South African Government and grassroots organizations envisage and implement democracy achieved since 1994 in the field of water resources management. The focus is on the democratic, political and economic freedom and equality in resource rights for poor black women, who are central to poverty eradication. While the new water policy and law provide an enabling framework for achieving these goals, implementation on the ground encounters both new opportunities and constraints. This is illustrated by several cases of establishing South Africa's new water management institutions: catchment management agencies and water user associations. The important nexus between state‐led democratization of water resources management and bottom‐up grassroots movements is also discussed. The article concludes that the Government's affirmative and targeted intervention is indispensable for redressing gender inequalities and eradicating poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Schreiner & Ndileka Mohapi & Barbara Van Koppen, 2004. "Washing away poverty: Water, democracy and gendered poverty eradication in South Africa," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 28(3), pages 171-178, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:natres:v:28:y:2004:i:3:p:171-178
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-8947.2004.00086.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:iwt:bosers:h021513 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Ruth Meinzen-Dick & Margreet Zwarteveen, 1998. "Gendered participation in water management: Issues and illustrations from water users‘ associations in South Asia," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 15(4), pages 337-345, December.
    3. van Koppen, Barbara, 2002. "A gender performance indicator for irrigation: Concepts, tools and applications," IWMI Research Reports 44562, International Water Management Institute.
    4. repec:iwt:rerpts:h029556 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

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    3. Massarutto, Antonio & Troiano, Stefania, 2025. "Maintaining water service quality in the face of climate change: Can stated-preference analysis support priority setting?," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    4. Ricard Giné & Agustí Pérez‐Foguet, 2008. "Sustainability assessment of national rural water supply program in Tanzania," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 32(4), pages 327-342, November.

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