Critical Water Governance

The aim of the governance workstream is to critically examine how a change in a system of water governance may occur to achieve water security and promote sustainable development. Through a number of empirical and evidence-based case studies throughout the world, the governance workstream seeks to deliver a clearer understanding of the underlying context and the power exercised in water governance, in order to reveal the challenges and shortcomings that severely hinder the achievement of water security. In meeting these goals, a more explicit mobilisation of critical water governance will be engaged in local situations around the world. In practice, we intend to use empirical evidence of a systems approach from within our Collaboratories – Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and Malaysia – to develop an overarching systems framework, and transfer a policy for water security (including guidance, best practice and tools, e.g. a water security measurement tool) to inform future global and local development frameworks.

This Joint Report presents the findings of the first stage of an intensive research project conducted by each Collaboratory, in order to contextualise water security in their respective case studies through a critical perspective on water governance. While illustrating the context specific for policy-makers and challenges for development policy and practice, this Joint Report contributes to expanding the knowledge and understanding of the contested narratives around water governance, and the problems and drivers in achieving water security.