The Influence of Policy Discourses on multilevel water governance: a case study of the Equatorial Nile Basin

This research assesses how discourses on climate change and water security during policy making impact on actual water management, analysing the Equatorial Nile Basin and its riparian countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and DR Congo) as a case study. The thesis looks at the significance of informal policy networks for water governance, and critically discusses the extent to which the framing of issues by these networks are reflected in the practical implementation of multilevel water governance. This thesis uses a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative with quantitative methods. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with policymakers, through the analysis of policy reports and other documents, and through a focus group with representatives of Water User Associations. Qualitative data was triangulated with quantitative data derived through a Q Methodological study on perceptions of water resources management, climate change and water security. The thesis finds that two policy networks, which revolve around the Nile Basin Initiative and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, shape the design and implementation of multilevel water governance in the Basin. Actors from both policy networks frame water resources management along the following three frames: environmental risk, governance, and infrastructure development – which are then transferred onto thinking around climate change and water security. The thesis concludes that, whereas climate change and water security are explicit in policy design, consideration of policy delivery does not feedback into future policy framing. The research therefore provides strong evidence that, for successful integration of climate change and water security in the development context, the starting point for policy creation should be a realistic view of the challenges surrounding practical delivery of current water management.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of East Anglia

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Hissen, Nina F.

Language dc:language

en