Abstract
This paper defends the idea that a participatory approach is a suitable method for basin planning integrating both water and land aspects. Assertions made are based on scientific literature review and corroborated by field experience and research carried out in the Limpopo River basin, a transboundary river located in southern Africa which is affected by periodical floods. The paper explains how a basin strategic plan can be drafted and disaster risk reduction strategies derived by combining different types of activities using a bottom-up approach, despite an institutional context which operates through traditional top-down mechanisms. In particular, the “Living with Floods” experience in the lower Limpopo River, in Mozambique, is described as a concrete example of a disaster adaptation measure resulting from a participatory planning exercise. In conclusion, the adopted method and obtained results are discussed and recommendations are formulated for potential replication in similar contexts of the developing world.
Highlights
Introduction and ObjectivesThe identification of suitable strategies for river basin planning is the object of continuous scientific, political and institutional discussions and research [1]
The applied participatory method during project implementation is presented in detail, starting from the local level up to the basin dimension, putting emphasis on how interactions can take place between these two scales of intervention. This process resulted in drafting the Limpopo Basin Strategic Plan which focuses on reducing vulnerability to floods and drought
Physical settings: The Limpopo River basin is located in the South-Eastern region of the African continent and is shared among four countries
Summary
The identification of suitable strategies for river basin planning is the object of continuous scientific, political and institutional discussions and research [1]. The applied participatory method during project implementation is presented in detail, starting from the local level up to the basin dimension, putting emphasis on how interactions can take place between these two scales of intervention This process resulted in drafting the Limpopo Basin Strategic Plan which focuses on reducing vulnerability to floods and drought. As a concrete experience derived from this basin planning tool, participatory approach and collaborative work with the Mozambican government authorities, the “Living with Floods” initiative is presented, which is still being implemented today It represents a flood adaptation measure which, when applied in combination with a sound resettlement strategy, can effectively reduce the vulnerability of the communities living in the lower parts of the river basin. A discussion is developed regarding the application of the participatory method for basin planning and conclusions are drawn
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