Abstract

Project 004391 (98-1057) "Management of conflicting water usages in the Nakanbé basin" has made it possible to take stock of the Nakanbé basin in Burkina Faso and to develop and validate a participatory methodology for use in the resolution of water-use conflicts. It has also made it possible to identify the four main problems at the source of the conflicts: insufficient resources, poor management of existing water sources, lack of basic communication, and non-appropriation of existing water projects by the local people. The aim of this project is to transfer the methodology developed in the 19 participating villages to 300 villages in the basin and in other regions of the country. To this end, it will have the logistical and technical support of the Ministry of Environment and Water, which plans to use the results of the project in the development of the water policy of Burkina Faso.

Post-Project Summary

Among the 19 villages participating in the project, researchers selected three (one village for each study zone) as sites for activities that could bring them up to the standards established for a model village. The choice of model village was based on the following criteria: geographic location; proximity to other villages; accessibility; the level of village interest in the project; the number of water sources in relation to population; the existence of conflicts among different users; and a commitment on the part of those involved in real or potential conflicts to resolve them. The team also worked in three other villages, with financing from other agencies. Interventions included awareness and outreach activities by means of participatory communication, the reorganization of water source management committees, and support activities/solutions (rehabilitation, construction). The participatory dispute settlement approach adopted for the project was found to be quite appropriate for resolving the various kinds of disputes that arise among users of village water sources, primarily boreholes. However, its effectiveness will always depend on the commitment of all parties to defining the conflicts and finding solutions. The participatory communication strategies used, in particular the roundtable, facilitated active participation by villagers and decision-makers. Other communication tools that were found useful included informal discussion groups, popular theatre and the technical forum on water source management committees. The results of this work suggest that a properly functioning water source management committee can help eliminate the major problems underlying conflicts. The project succeeded, at least in the short term, in reducing conflicts among borehole users; enhancing the degree of women's participation in managing village water resources; and convincing people of the need to pay for water as a way of ensuring maintenance of the borehole, thereby avoiding waterborne diseases. The project had a clear impact on those involved in the water sector in Burkina Faso, and members of the project team are working actively together on a number of nongovernmental projects. The project also served to advance scientific knowledge of the water sector, and to build capacity by training students at the master's (DEA) and doctoral levels.

Recipient Institution(s)