Mulungu, Deogratias M. M.; Mashauri, Damas A.
Description:
International shared water resources conflicts can be resolved through negotiation and arbitration. The
negotiation and arbitration must be supplied with decision aiding tools and management plans for the
shared water resources so as to come up with workable framework that can be used to prevent future
water resources conflicts in the riparian countries. Various methodologies in literature have been given
for conflict resolution with consideration to hydrological, environmental, economic, legal and political
factors. Because of the complex nature of conflicts and cooperation, currently with the development of
technology, computer and model applications are used to assist decision-making during conflicts and
cooperation. In this paper, potential resolving and preventive alternative methods and/or experiences
have been presented so that we can properly formulate and implement suitable policies, strategies
and actions to avoid occurrence of water-based conflicts and their adverse consequences in Africa. As
an example, conflicts and cooperation on some shared river basins in Africa (Nile river basin and
SADC region rivers) have been highlighted. Learning from experiences from other parts of the world, it
was recommended to incorporate game theory technique in water resources conflicts and cooperation
in the African river basins for equitable and fair utilization and management of shared water.