Vol. I - Institutional framework component

Mapping, Assessment & Management of Transboundary Water Resources in the  IGAD Sub-Region Project: Institutional framework component - Vol. I

Information gathered from National Study Reports, lessons learned from literature on international River Basin Organizations, and reference made to the relevant findings of other Components of this Project together with personal experience were made use of in understanding the characteristics of the river basins, the key development areas for regional cooperation, the disadvantages of non-cooperation, and the benefits that can accrue because of joint sub-regional actions.

National studies reviewed did not include specific studies on national institutional frameworks for water resources development and management of the seven countries of IGAD apart from the inclusion of scattered information and data under the studies targeting water resources, socio-economic, and environment.

Common vision, mission, broad objectives, policies, and strategies for the development and management of areas of common interest have been developed. Strategic Elements were identified for the harmonization of strategies.

Capacity building is a continuous process reflecting the need of the society to respond to new ideas and technologies and changing social and political realities.  The lack of adequate institutional capacities in the water sector in the IGAD countries, for joint development and management of shared water resources, is imposing severe limitation to water resources development and management.

The policy, legal, and institutional frameworks as well as, the common strategies and their key elements, the protocol for information and data sharing and exchange, and the plans for human and institutional capacity building are similar to that for the joint TRBO, and can be applied to a single or more shared river basin resources in the IGAD Sub-Region.

Development of a road map for establishing Transboundary River Basin Organization(s) (TRBO) includes the setting up of a transboundary consultative mechanism for each basin. Policies, strategies, and objectives of cooperation and how to achieve them shall be set out in the proposed enabling legal instruments to be signed by the riparian Member States of IGAD to the agreement.