Water Management and Violent Conflict in East Africa: Scarcity and Security in Kenya and Uganda

This book explores the complex relationships between water availability, governance, and violent and non-violent conflicts, using case studies of Lake Naivasha in Kenya and Lake Wamala in Uganda. It shows how politically and economically motivated water use can increase tensions over access to and use of fresh-water resources, and assesses the resilience and vulnerability of local actors' ability to access water and their ability to influence access.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate interplay between water availability, governance, and violent and non-violent conflicts, utilizing in-depth case studies of Lake Naivasha in Kenya and Lake Wamala in Uganda. It sheds light on how politically and economically motivated water use escalates tensions over access to and utilization of freshwater resources, ultimately contributing to violent conflicts. Furthermore, it assesses the resilience and vulnerability of local actors' ability to secure water access and explores the interconnectedness between the need for water and the capacity to influence its availability.

This comprehensive work is of paramount interest to scholars and professionals engaged in water resource management and governance, African development, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape water-related conflicts and provides practical strategies for promoting peaceful and sustainable water management practices.

The book begins by providing a theoretical framework for understanding the relationships between water, governance, and conflict. It explores the historical and political contexts that contribute to water scarcity and conflict, as well as the social, economic, and environmental factors that exacerbate these tensions.

The case studies of Lake Naivasha and Lake Wamala serve as powerful examples of the challenges and opportunities associated with water management in Africa. Each study highlights the different governance structures, policies, and practices that have influenced water access, utilization, and conflict in the respective regions. The authors analyze the historical, political, and social factors that have contributed to the emergence and persistence of water conflicts, as well as the strategies employed by local actors to address these challenges.

The book also examines the role of international institutions and donors in promoting water security and conflict resolution in Africa. It highlights the need for coordinated and sustainable water management approaches that prioritize the interests of local communities and promote equitable access to water resources. The authors argue that effective governance and conflict resolution require a holistic and integrated approach that addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of water management.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on water, governance, and conflict in Africa. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the complex relationships between water availability, governance, and violent and non-violent conflicts. By highlighting the case studies of Lake Naivasha and Lake Wamala, it provides practical insights and recommendations for promoting peaceful and sustainable water management practices in Africa. This work will be of great interest to scholars, professionals, policymakers, and activists working in the field of water resource management and governance, African development, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.

Weight: 267g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032221458