The impact of the nile treaties on the nile communities: a case study of east africa
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Date
2013Author
Wandera, Christine
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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This research is about the impact of the Nile treaties to the Nile communities where by
the introduction begins with a general overview of water issues in the world. It also
shares experiences of some of the major trans boundary rivers and lakes. There is the
general knowledge of the Nile and a mention of the colonial agreements. The problem
statement based on the fact that despite the availability of a big water resource the
communities living along the Nile including one of its sources, L. Victoria are still very
poor, suffering from food insecurity, illiteracy and diseases. The objectives mainly focus
on the community wellbeing, the Trans boundary resource sharing and the community
resilience. The literature review being very broad since a lot on the Nile treaties is
reviewed ranging from the oldest to the most recent treaty. There are issues on riparian
States, resources, and the institutional frameworks like the NBI are also reviewed. The
justification argument is aimed at confirming the gap noticed after the literature review.
Thus indicating that a lot of research has been done on the ownership conflict and how
the conflict and the treaties affect the community. The theoretical framework is
embracing the sensitivity on human dignity and community working together which is
well linked to the regime theory. Regime theory has an emphasis on the collaboration,
cooperation and coordination process with main propagators as Stone and Krasner. The
main concepts that govern this research are the bottom up-approach majorly propagated
by Lederach, increasing available water resources. In addition there is a concept of
broadening the basket of benefit which actually considers other alternatives. There is also
the river basin development planning and management concept which strictly focuses on
planning and management strategies. The other concept is the cooperative framework that
is partly implemented in the Nile Basin Initiative. The framework puts emphasis on
collaboration and cooperation with fair benefit sharing. The historical details of the
treaties and the countries are also shared. The sharing of information about resources is
highlighted. The research findings do indicate that most community members are not
aware about the Nile treaties, were never consulted just the way they were not during the
Berlin conference of 1884-1885. Communities have demonstrated resilience in looking
for alternative livelihood to fishing like looking for jobs after good education, political
thagery, while others waste away in alcoholism and prostitution. Recommendations
include reviewing of the latest treaties to correct the notion that communities don't
matter, empowering communities to engage in national and international process affecting their lives.
Citation
Master Of Arts In International Conflict ManagementPublisher
University of Nairobi