Abstract

Water scarcity in the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa poses a grave threat to the well-being of rural people. The conventional approach to this problem has been to emphasize northern technologies over indigenous forms of water management, without seriously considering the potential benefits of the latter, which have evolved with the local environment and are specifically adapted to local conditions. This project will address this oversight by supporting an in-depth study of the efficacy of traditional methods of water management, and promoting, as appropriate, their continuance or revival. Three pilot projects will be located in Djibouti, Egypt and Tanzania. The work will be carried out by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and coordinated by the International Secretariat for Water (ISW). Each pilot study will seek to document, evaluate and improve upon traditional and contemporary water management schemes, and disseminate the value-added traditional systems both locally and to other regions. Knowledge related to traditional water management will be elicited through participatory techniques such as interviews and meetings with local experts, as well as literature reviews. Workshops will be organized to bring together local innovators and outside experts to investigate promising technologies, and the results will be disseminated through seminars and meetings with local communities.

Post-Project Summary

Module Development Services, a Cairo-based non-governmental organization (NGO), documented an integrated research project on water management in El Fayoum oasis, Egypt. The Pastoralist Indigenous NGO, a network of pastoralist NGOs (Maasai, Barabaig, hunters and gatherers) in the Arusha region, documented traditional water use and management systems in the drylands of northern Tanzania. The Institut supérieur d'études et de recherches scientifiques et techniques (ISERST) in Djibouti documented a national process of research-action aimed at rehabilitating drylands for agriculture by using traditional and sustainable water management systems. Based on the three case studies and a review of the literature, the final report (Guide for Action) argues that traditional water management (TWM) systems are a feasible option for improving the living conditions of rural people currently facing serious water problems. Particularly in dispersed and isolated rural settlements, TWM can compete with other more modern water options such as hand pumps, large-scale irrigation and piped schemes. Chapter 1 of the Guide highlights the added value of TWM systems. Chapter 2 stresses the need to have a correct understanding and interpretation of TWM systems, since they are rooted in world views, social rules and institutions that are often unique to a particular society. Chapter 3 points out key issues to be taken into account in devising institutional arrangements respecting the roles of the various actors involved. Chapter 4 proposes strategies for rehabilitating TWM systems, bearing in mind that they must succeed in comparison with conventional approaches. Chapter 5 underlines the need to link local action with policy changes and an enabling environment where state and external support agencies play a catalytic role in evaluating TWM systems. The importance of working with the community as equal partners in the development process is stressed throughout.

Recipient Institution(s)