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Water user associations: a review of approaches and alternative management options for Sub-Saharan Africa

Author

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  • Aarnoudse, E.
  • Closas, Alvar
  • Lefore, Nicole

Abstract

Building on existing literature and the analysis of a portfolio of development projects (past and under implementation), this paper reviews the evolution of water user associations (WUAs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), reflecting on the conceptualization of how they operate, and the promised outcomes related to irrigation development, and the efficient and effective delivery of irrigation services. It also moves one step further from existing studies on WUAs, postulating that additional reflection is needed to understand the limitations of WUAs and proposes alternative, viable and context-based adapted models. This need is particularly strong in SSA where irrigation is incipient, and governments and donors are still consolidating their development approaches. Whereas a growing body of international literature takes into account the sociopolitical context of decentralized irrigation management, practical indication on what remains to be done to address the various limitations found in SSA stays meagre and scattered. The objective of this paper is not to challenge the myth of WUAs but to learn how to better deliver on the promised outcomes. The underlying message is that, if the SSA region is to be made water and food secure while respecting resource sustainability, community development, livelihoods and equality of resource access, the recurrent templates for WUA management and governance need to be revisited and adapted to local needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Aarnoudse, E. & Closas, Alvar & Lefore, Nicole, 2018. "Water user associations: a review of approaches and alternative management options for Sub-Saharan Africa," IWMI Reports 284166, International Water Management Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iwmirp:284166
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.284166
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    Cited by:

    1. Aarnoudse, E. & Closas, Alvar & Lefore, Nicole, 2018. "Water user associations: a review of approaches and alternative management options for Sub-Saharan Africa," IWMI Working Papers H048782, International Water Management Institute.
    2. Jayasiri, M.M.J.G.C.N. & Dayawansa, N.D.K. & Yadav, Sudhir, 2023. "Assessing the roles of farmer organizations for effective agricultural water management in Sri Lanka," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    3. Margaret Atosina Akuriba & Rein Haagsma & Nico Heerink, 2022. "Do Governance Perceptions Affect Cooperativeness? Evidence from Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Northern Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.
    4. Troell, J. & Keene, S., 2022. "Legal recognition of customary water tenure in Sub-Saharan Africa: unpacking the land-water nexus," IWMI Books, Reports H051374, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Troell, J. & Keene, S., 2022. "Legal recognition of customary water tenure in Sub-Saharan Africa: unpacking the land-water nexus," IWMI Research Reports 329166, International Water Management Institute.
    6. Ivo Araújo & Leonel J. R. Nunes & António Curado, 2023. "Preliminary Approach for the Development of Sustainable University Campuses: A Case Study Based on the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
    7. Sida, Y. G. & Simane, B. & Assefa, E. & Haileslassie, Amare, 2022. "Polycentric irrigation water governance: irrigation water users associations service delivery in Ketar Subbasin, Ethiopia," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 18(10):783-.

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