Module description
The module explores the interface of water resources management and sustainable development through the perspective of politics of water use and allocation. The module first examines different types of water and their uses and relevance to sustainable development. Secondly, the module examines politics of water use and allocation at the local, national and international levels through issues of community irrigation, Integrated Water Resources Management and international transboundary river basin agreements. Particular focus is on the actors and institutions involved in water governance at these spatial scales. Thirdly, through discussions, group work and poster presentations, the module will assess the policy responses to the problems of water resources management in developing country contexts.
Assessment details
Formative essay (0%); 3000 word (or equivalent) assessment (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module aims to explore the linkage between water resources management and sustainable development through an understanding of both physical and socio-economic-political processes; to explore the various scales of water resources management and governance issues in developing country contexts; to introduce contemporary policy discussions on water resources management and governance in developing country contexts; and to practise applying theory and analytical tools to policy problems of water resources management and governance with specific reference to developing country contexts.
Learning outcomes
On completing this module, students should be able to:
- Understand the roles and implications of water resources management in sustainable development;
- Understand the relevance of environmental, socio-economic and political dimensions of water use and allocation at various spatial scales ranging from the local community level to the international transboundary river basin level;
- To identify and critically assess the role of actors and institutions involved in water resources management and governance;
- To critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of existing water policy;
- To demonstrate critical thinking through both structures essay responses and seminar exercises;
- To identify and critically assess data and information through academic literature, newspapers, policy papers (and other grey literature), and websites.
Teaching pattern
10 hours lectures; 10 hours seminars