Environmental Conflict Resolution: Contribution of the Watershed Model

Abstract

Until the water crisis is handled in a more participative and effective way, development in Africa will remain far-fetched. Most intractable conflicts in rural Africa are mostly around land, water and/or food. The watershed development programme as proposed in this paper is a model for rural development that does not only handle conflicts on natural resources but could also stand as a possible community endeavour to manage, preserve and judiciously use water. The commonly felt needs of rural Africa have led to conflicts in most village communities. Harvesting rain water needs to be taken seriously both in the rural and urban areas such that water policies of states provide guidelines for this system of water treatment, and conservation for more responsible use. Through the watershed holistic and sustainable development could be enhanced with education, formation, women empowerment, solidarity, community consolidation, state and inter-state responsibility promoted.