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Water resources management and Integrated Water Resources Management implementation in Malawi: Status and implications for lake basin management
Author(s) -
Chidammodzi C. L.,
Muhandiki V. S.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
lakes and reservoirs: research and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.296
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1440-1770
pISSN - 1320-5331
DOI - 10.1111/lre.12170
Subject(s) - integrated water resources management , sustainability , water resources , environmental resource management , environmental planning , scope (computer science) , business , sustainable development , environmental science , political science , computer science , ecology , law , biology , programming language
Many countries, including Malawi, are implementing integrated approaches for the development, management and use of water and other natural resources. Integrated Water Resources Management ( IWRM ) is, arguably, one approach considered helpful in addressing water issues effectively and sustainably. This study assesses the implementation of IWRM in Malawi to the present time, in relation to the five priority areas the country's Integrated Water Resources Management/Water Efficiency ( IWRM / WE ) Plan (2008–2012) sought to address, as well as the potential benefits of infusing Integrated Lake Basin Management ( ILBM ) in this approach. Document reviews, key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys and site visits were the employed methods in this analysis. Considering the significant importance of lakes in the country, this study, through application of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats framework, provides insight on how lake basin management issues can best be incorporated within the existing IWRM ‐based framework to promote the management and utilization of lakes for sustainable use. While acknowledging the relevance of a holistic approach, the study highlights the importance for the country to ensure that its development agenda is not negatively affected in the course of implementing IWRM .