Application
The use of the Orange-Senqu River Basin as a Pilot Study
The purpose of the Pilot Study is to comment on the applicability of the basket of tools and approaches developed in the GTZ-funded project to one of the river basin organisations (RBOs) in the SADC with the intended outcome of assisting RBOs to empower themselves in order to deliver on their current and/or improved mandates. These tools include the TWO Analysis - through the identification of regional benefits; the business process and the importance of developing an appropriate Business Model for the RBO taking into consideration the consequences of complexity etc; and by incorporating culturally-embedded approached to emphasise the importance of culture and value systems in shaping river basin management.
Objectives
- To demonstrate the potential benefits of adopting selected tools/approaches to strengthen RBOs in SADC
- Through an analytical and interactive process of and with specific members within the RBO institutional structure, the pilot study research aims to create basin ownership of tools and approaches by exploring ways in which selected tools may add value in terms of a nuanced approach to RBO strengthening processes.
- To act as an analytical test for further research on the implementation of these tools in other RBOs in southern Africa.
The Orange-Senqu River Basin
The Orange-Senqu River and the Orange-Senqu River Basin Commission (ORASECOM) have been selected as the case study area for the Pilot Study since it provides a solid institutional framework through which to conduct research and is considered to be a model for RBOs and institutional development within the SADC region. Inputs gathered were based on a consultative process with various stakeholders from the Orange-Senqu River basin through a workshop, which sought to obtain expert input and insights on the significance/relevance of the basket of tools and approaches developed.