Lack of stakeholder engagement in integrated water resources management (IWRM) is a global issue. The training material introduces the basics of IWRM and the role that citizens should play in it. The material can easily be adjusted so as to be applicable to different settings and countries.
The training material for the training of trainers was developed for the uMngeni catchment located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The material is designed to increase the understanding of the interdependent nature of water and land resources and the role that citizens can play in water governance. It aims to diminish power imbalances between citizens and leadership.
The main aim of this training material is to promote IWRM by:
- Increasing the capacity of individuals, community governance structures and traditional leadership in order to reduce power imbalances and encourage participation
- Increasing the connectedness between different governance structures in order to enable collaboration and coordination
The training material includes four presentations:
- An introduction to basic concepts including hydrology, ecosystems and land-water linkages.
- Challenges and approaches to water resources management.
- An overview of the different organisations and structures involved in water resources management in the uMngeni catchment and their specific functions.
- The community’s role in water resources management and how they can get involved.
Furthermore, a participant handbook was developed, which includes an introduction and 4 thematic sessions, as well as an activity at the end of each session to ensure deep learning.
The material can easily be adapted to other contexts, as only few sections refer specifically to the uMngeni catchment. The material is available in English and isiZulu.
