March 2021
Editorial »
COVID-19 and clean water, sanitation and wastewater management
Cecilia Tortajada
Research Article
Exploring management approaches for water and energy in the data-scarce Tekeze-Atbara Basin under hydrologic uncertainty
Mohammed Basheer, Rayyan Sulieman and Lars Ribbe
Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Sub-tropics (ITT), Technische Hochschule Köln, Cologne, Germany
Contact: Mohammed Basheer | Email: mohammedadamabbaker@gmail.com
Abstract
This study examines management approaches for hydropower generation and irrigation and domestic water supply for the Tekeze-Atbara, a transboundary river between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan, in above- and below-normal hydrologic conditions, considering current and future water demand scenarios. Satellite data are used to substitute for unavailable or inaccessible ground meteorological and dam data. Based on three examined coordination scenarios, the analysis finds that coordinating the management of the Sudanese dams would bring significant benefits to water supply and energy generation. An optimization analysis is necessary to reveal the full value of coordination of dams in the Tekeze-Atbara Basin.
Pages: 182–207
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2019.1591941
Research Article
Forecast-informed reservoir operations to guide hydropower and agriculture allocations in the Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia
Sarah Alexandera, Guang Yanga, Girmachew Addisub and Paul Blocka
aDepartment of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; bAbay Basin Authority, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Contact: Sarah Alexander | Email: salexander6@wisc.edu
Abstract
Predictive hydroclimate information, coupled with reservoir system models, offers the potential to mitigate climate variability risks. Prior methodologies rely on sub-seasonal, dynamic/synthetic forecasts at short timescales, which challenge application in practice. Here, coupling a local-scale seasonal, statistical streamflow forecast with a reservoir model addresses this gap, to explore hydropower and agricultural production benefits under various operational strategies. Forecast-informed optimization of reservoir releases increases energy production (6–14%), agriculture allocations (54–68%), and net profit. Application to Ethiopia showcases a novel seasonal-scale statistical forecast coupled reservoir model that translates hydroclimatic predictions into actionable information for better management at the local scale.
Pages: 208–233
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1745159
Research Article
Transaqua: power, political change and the transnational politics of a water megaproject
Adegboyega B. Adeniran and Katherine A. Daniell
Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra
Contact: Adegboyega B. Adeniran | Email: adegboyega.adeniran@anu.edu.au
Abstract
Least developed countries, with their unique governance and political-economic conditions, face uncommon and under-researched transboundary hydropolitical issues. We analyze the impact of power and political change on the adoption of the Transaqua water transfer megaproject in Central Africa using process tracing and analysis of documents, interviews and fieldwork. We present the key actors and their interests and argue for the central role of the Nigerian leadership in driving Nigeria’s state power and the Lake Chad Basin Commission. Discourses of ‘legitimation’ and ‘urgency’ are two framings used to justify the Transaqua project and expedite its construction, shaping our understanding of the political strategies underlying the speedy adoption of the project.
Pages: 234–255
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1747408
Research Article
An understanding of water governance systems in responding to extreme droughts in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Minh N. Nguyena, Phuong T. B. Nguyenb, Tri P. D. Vanc, Vu H. Phanc, Binh T. Nguyend, Vu T. Phamc and Trung H. Nguyenb
aLand and Water, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne, Australia; bResearch Institute for Climate Change, Can Tho University, Vietnam; cCollege of the Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University, Vietnam; dMekong Delta Development Research Institute, Can Tho University, Vietnam
Contact: Phuong T. B. Nguyen | Email: phuong3831@gmail.com
Abstract
In 2016, extreme drought and saline intrusion led to widespread damage and livelihood disruption for many people in the coastal region of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. Through an integrated multi-step approach of literature and stakeholder analysis, focus group discussions and interviews with local governments and farmers, an understanding of the local water governance systems and their functioning is gained, providing insight into the power, interest and responsibility of multiple agencies. Development of more responsive and inclusive water governance systems, with improved early warnings and information flows during extreme events, is needed to improve the resilience and adaptation of the region.
Pages: 256–277
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1753500
Research Article
Differentiated vulnerabilities and capacities for adaptation to water shortage in Gaborone, Botswana
Josefine Lund Schlamovitza and Per Beckera,b
aDivision of Risk Management and Societal Safety, Lund University, Sweden; bUnit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Contact: Per Becker | Email: per.becker@risk.lth.se
Abstract
Employing the heuristic of intersectionality, this study analyzes household effects and responses to water shortage in Gaborone, Botswana, focusing on residents’ adaptive capacity and vulnerability. Using data collected through qualitative interviews, we find that households from all socio-economic backgrounds face various effects from water shortage and use numerous strategies to reduce exposure and impact. A key insight is that vulnerability and adaptive capacity are not equally distributed between, or within conventional social categories. Instead, the effects of water shortage are influenced by the intersection and interplay of several underlying factors.
Pages: 278–299
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1756752 (Open Access)
Research Article
Water allocation strategies for meeting dry-season water requirements for Ganges Kobadak Irrigation Project in Bangladesh
B. J. M. Goesa, A. K. Clarkb and K. Basharc
aInternational Development Services Unit, Mott MacDonald Ltd, Cambridge, UK; bInternational Water Resources Management Department, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Edmonton, Canada; cDepartment of Geological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Contact: B. J. M. Goes | Email: bart.goes@mottmac.com
Abstract
This article focuses on a major water use in the Ganges Basin, the Ganges Kobadak Irrigation Project in Bangladesh. The objectives of this article are to assess the present and projected irrigation water requirements, the status of the Ganges River and groundwater resources in the project area, and water allocation strategies to fulfil dry-season irrigation requirements in the short, medium and long term while taking into account competing water uses and the Ganges Treaty, an international water-sharing agreement. These objectives are achieved through an assessment of data on the irrigation project, cropping patterns, groundwater levels (1975–2013) and Ganges River flow (1910–2019).
Pages: 300–320
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1763265
Research Article
Promoting multiple-use water services by leveraging existing rural water supply and smallholder farmer groups, Malawi
Rochelle H. Holma, Ralph P. Hallb, Suresh Muthukrishnanc, Tiwonge Munthalia and Margret Sindaa
aCentre of Excellence in Water and Sanitation, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi; bSchool of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA; cDepartment of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC, USA
Contact: Rochelle H. Holm | Email: rochelle@rochelleholm.com
Abstract
Multiple-use water services (MUS) can enhance the benefits communities receive from the productive use of water. This article uses household surveys, water samples, focus groups and key informant interviews to examine the potential of MUS in northern Malawi. Specific attention is given to the role of existing rural water supply options and knowledge held by an established smallholder rice farmer group. The study finds that expanding MUS requires: (1) forming MUS coalitions between communities, NGOs and business associations; (2) identifying appropriate MUS practices and markets; (3) undertaking community and water availability assessments; and (4) designing services aligned with these assessments.
Pages: 321–338
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1765745
Research Article
A statistical and spatial analysis of water poverty using a modified Water Poverty Index
Breeanna C. Princea, Luke Juranb, Venkataramana Sridharc, Anamaria Bukvicd and Morgan C. MacDonalde
aDepartment of Geography, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; bDepartment of Geography, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Center for Coastal Studies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; cDepartment of Biological Systems Engineering, Blacksburg, VA, USA; dDepartment of Geography, Center for Coastal Studies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; eAustralian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
Contact: Luke Juran | Email: ljuran@vt.edu
Abstract
This study advances methods of measuring access to water by providing a framework that can be operationalized by practitioners to inform decision and policy making. A modified WPI was developed and deployed in India, with results indicating significant differences between WPI and many indicator scores both between and within administrative territories. Spatial analyses identified significant clustering of WPI and indicator scores, indicating that scores are not randomly distributed. Three weight schemes were applied, two of which were informed by local stakeholders. The weight schemes highlighted the subjectivity of weighting and importance of including local populations in water development and management.
Pages: 339–356
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1768829