Decentralisation and Water Governance in Africa: A Zimbabwean Case Study

Abstract

Decentralisation is widely seen as an effective method for empowering local communities in developing countries. This article discusses decentralisation within the context of water governance, using Zimbabwe as a case study. Its main argument is that although decentralisation is faced with challenges, it remains one of the most effective ways to govern water resources. At the core of decentralisation is the belief that citizens should have the opportunity to participate directly in governing resources in their communities. Within the African context, decentralisation becomes even more important considering the continent’s history of colonisation, where certain communities were marginalised and had little influence over the management of resources, such as water. The introduction of Integrated Water Resources Management aimed to address the inequalities inherited by post-colonial states. It advocated for a decentralised system of governance, and countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe incorporated it into their new water policies. In Zimbabwe, the 1998 Water Act aimed to address the inequalities caused by colonial rule. While the article argues for the importance of decentralisation in effective water governance, it also outlines the challenges faced in this process. For instance, it contends that in some countries, like Ghana, the government often interferes in the decentralisation process to assert its authority. In Zimbabwe, the main challenge arises from the ruling party, which perceives decentralisation, particularly devolution, as an obstacle to its control over the country.