Domestic Policy Frameworks on Adaptation to Climate Change in Water Resources Country Case Study: Zimbabwe. Davison J. Gumbo

Transcription

1 Domestic Policy Frameworks on Adaptation to Climate Change in Water Resources Country Case Study: Zimbabwe Davison J. Gumbo

2 Guiding Question Is there sufficient evidence to show that Zimbabwe s s existing water sector policies, institutions, and structures provide a strong base for the country s s adaptation to climate change strategy?

3 What are we talking about? Central Government Private Sector Farming Rural Communities National Water Authority Bilateral/Regional Urban/Mining

4 Introduction to Zimbabwe Land area 391,109km 2 Population 12.9 million Population Density 33 persons/km 2 Growth Rate 3.0%/annum Population distribution Rural 64% Urban 36% Gross Domestic Product US$8,300 mn/yr GDP per capita US$647/yr Agriculture to GDP 17.4% (2002)

5 Climate and Rainfall Sub-tropical climate Climate variable influence of El NINO-Southern Africa Oscillation (ENSO) Seasons Hot-wet (November April) Cool-dry (May August) Hot-dry (Sept-November) Average rainfall 657 mm Evaporation Range 1,400 to 2,200 mm Relief Region Lowveld Middleveld Highveld Eastern Highlands AMSL (m) < ,200 1,200 2,000 2,000 2,400

6 The Water Resource 7 catchments cover 384,172 km 2 Problems Watershed degradation Aquatic weeds Wetland/floodplain losses Droughts (annual/seasonal) Policy mis-matches Limited law enforcement Weak/nascent institutions Low investment in the sector Replacement of equipment

7 Agricultural Potential N/R Area (km 2 ) Rainfall (mm/yr) Farming system I 7,000 > 1,000 Specialized/ diversified II 58, Intensive III 72, Semi- intensive IV 147, Semi- intensive V 104,400 <450 Extensive Vincent and Thomas, 1960

8 Water Balance Internal Renewable water m 3 /yr Total Dam Capacity m 3 Total Water withdrawal 4, m 3 Irrigation and livestock 3, m 3 /yr Domestic m 3 /yr Industry m 3 /yr Per person 328 m 3 /yr % of total renewable water 21%

9 Loss of Watersheds Encroachment to marginal lands Urban, mining Land shortages Inappropriate land tenure Ag expansion Loss of dambos Deforestation Pollution Farming methods No integrated planning, Law enforcement, lack of incentives Poverty Low prioritization Reduced flows, quality etc No economic value on water

10 Institutional Failures Country has a broad array of institutions Decentralization Potential to address water issues Institutional failures due to:- Limited capacity (financial and human) Institutional mandates limited to water demand Framework for law enforcement unclear A complex sector placed in the hands of a nascent structure Political expediency

11 Legal Framework Dominated by the Water Act of 1998 Effluent and Waste Standards Statutory Instrument National Water Authority Act of 1998 Environment Management Act (2002) Embodies the management watershed Role more implied Rural District/Urban Councils By-Laws

12 Policies Integrated Water Resources Management: water resources strategy for Zimbabwe National Water Authority Agriculture Policy Framework Disaster preparedness Policy incompletes Capacity Balancing equity issues and the economics of water Land acquisition process Pricing mechanisms Management of catchments Poverty

13 Impacts of Climate Change Forecasts show a trend towards warming and reduced precipitation Shortages of potable water Impacts on agriculture and food security Increased frequency of droughts and floods Climate change stories vs environmental change

14 Preparedness Decentralized structure Emerged out of Cyclone Eline and Droughts Reactive than proactive Issues Under-equipped equipped and capacitated institutions Limited role of the private sector Complexity of rural farming systems Limited access to technology Questioned authority/authenticity of information Narrow definition of disasters (types) Prediction of ENSO events

15 Yes but negative contradictions should be addressed The foundation is there but depoliticize What needs to be done Link scientific knowledge to national planning and decision making Improve awareness and access to information and knowledge on climate change Package, popularize, and disseminate Capacity development and participation Allow private sector to play ball e.g., BOT approach Involve rural institutions through community action Set and/or reinforce data gathering and/or monitoring mechanisms and protocols

16 Some specific recommendations Water demand management Reduce leakages Efficiency of water use Recycling technologies Policy planning Land use/land use planning Reinforce disaster preparedness Harmonize laws- water, land, etc Capacity Building and awareness Sharing forecasting Measures and direct interventions Flood mitigation measures in place Understanding of the link between climate change and water Watershed management