Rural water access and management approaches in southern Africa: lessons from Namibia and South Africa

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major problem for Namibia and South Africa as both countries are classified as "water stressed". Water provision in both countries has traditionally relied on supply-side sources, and the potential for expansion is becoming dim, making efforts towards demand management approaches more feasible. Findings show that CBM (community based management) systems of water points offer an alternative in terms of ownership and self-reliance based on institutional arrangements at community level. However, the CBM system involves some forms of payment for water access, and affordability has become a main challenge, to the extent that some governments are considering the reintroduction of water subsidies for poor rural communities in the near future.