Exploring the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Adaptive Management (AM) at a local scale: a case study of the uMngeni Catchment, KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Adaptive Management (AM) are internationally recognised approaches to water resource management. IWRM promotes the application of principles such as integration, participation, inclusion, equity, accountability and efficiency which guide the water sector thus creating an enabling environment for practitioners and decision-makers to be more integrated. AM complements IWRM by embracing uncertainty in water resource management attributed to climate change effects and ineffective governance regimes. AM promotes the institutionalisation of social learning within organisations operating in the water sector by incorporating experimental management practices to inform decision-making. The uMngeni catchment in the province of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa, faces numerous challenges that threaten the availability and quality of water resources. The aim of the study is to assess the institutional aspects that may or may not facilitate the implementation of IWRM and AM and to provide recommendations for effective management. Therefore, a case study approach was utilised to gain an understanding of the implementation of IWRM and AM at the local scale. There were twenty-one semi-structured interviews which were conducted in the Msunduzi Municipality and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. A range of environmental, development and water service governance tools were analysed. Through the collected data, several key findings emerge. Firstly, it is evident that the delay in the establishment of an operational Catchment Management Agency (CMA) and the absence of Water User Associations (WUAs) is hindering the implementation of IWRM and AM. Despite the lack of an authoritative body (CMA) and bridging agents as represented by WUAs, role-players in the catchment are actively attempting to improve integration among water users and to address this void. Secondly, the protection and conservation of water resources is governed by the National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS) at a national level and the draft proto-Catchment Management Strategy (CMS) at a regional level. Even with these tools, participants from non-governmental organisations stated that water resources have been managed (regional and national level) for water service provision rather than resource protection. In addition, the overlap and misunderstanding of catchment management roles and responsibilities between municipal departments and private landowners is negatively affecting the degree of integration as well as learning occurring in the catchment. Lastly, most of the participants’ acknowledged the importance of participation and integration, but also indicated that the application of the concept of IWRM is not ideal at the local level particularly in a developing country. Many participants do not understand AM. The limited practice of social learning in the catchment can be attributed to key strategies i.e., CMS not being official, and information sources (e.g., river health reports) not being updated. There is a recommendation to include previously excluded groups into water resources management through the application of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model. The model will assist in relationship building and fostering partnerships to improve catchment management and to create a culture of accountability and stress the urgency of this for water resource management.