A review of formal institutions affecting water supply and access in Botswana

Publication date: June 2018Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, Volume 105Author(s): Patricia K. Mogomotsi, Goemeone E.J. Mogomotsi, Dimpho M. MatlholaAbstractOver the years, many countries across the world have increasingly experienced the collapse of their ecosystems, leading to an elevated increase on the demand for freshwater resources. Botswana is not an exception. The problem of disrupted potable water supply is widespread across the country. However, the physical shortage of water in the country is arguably coupled by lack of effective and efficient water supply and management institutions and water infrastructure. Most of the research on water scarcity in Botswana is mostly inclined towards physical water scarcity, while little is investigated on how the design of institutions for water management in developing countries leads to water scarcity. Furthermore, the premises of most research is neoclassical economics ideas, thereby offering solutions as developing and/or reforming water markets and water pricing mechanisms, among other findings. This paper analyses potable water supply and access in Botswana within a new institutional economics paradigm. The study examines key features of water institutions in Botswana on how they affect water supply and access, applying new institutional economics fundamentals. The study extensively uses various secondary data sources including weather and climate reports, policy documents, maps and charts and survey ...
Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - Category: Science Source Type: research