Ephemeral rivers and their development: testing an approach to basin management committees on the Kuiseb River, Namibia

Ephemeral rivers are located in the world's drylands where aridity and climate variability are key environmental determinants. The Kuiseb River is one of two diversely developed ephemeral rivers in western-central Namibia. From up to down stream, freehold-tenure farmers, a national park, communal farmers and the port and municipality of Walvis Bay all derive water from this source. Upstream farmers impound surface water during brief rainfall periods while remaining stakeholders' abstract water from the alluvial aquifer. The draft Water Resources Management Act for Namibia devotes one chapter to basin management committees as mechanisms to ensure more equitable, efficient and effective sharing of water resources and their benefits. Two pilot committees are being established in Namibia, one of which is in the Kuiseb basin. The Environmental Learning and Action in the Kuiseb project, implemented by the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia in close consultation with Namibia's Water Resources Management Review with funding from the European Union, has brought all stakeholders together. The Department of Water Affairs, Nam-Water and the Gobabeb Training and Research Centre are contributing information to enhance understanding of the river's functions and services provided. All stakeholders are sharing information concerning their needs, expectations and contributions toward integrated management of the Kuiseb. After negotiation for one-and-a-half years, a formal committee is established and mechanisms for its functioning and sustainability are being identified. The main benefit to date is the dialogue, good will and interest that have been established amongst the stakeholders. If the momentum is maintained, this will lead to a new, more integrated approach to resource management in the entire basin. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.