GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND POST-CONFLICT WATER GOVERNANCE: IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Good governance of water is important both for sustainable development and in building peace in post-conflict countries, where adequate management of water resources provides recovery and long-term stability. In post-conflict regions, governmental policies, institutions, and regulations are absolutely key in stabilising economies, ensuring social cohesion, and safeguarding environmental sustainability. However, in most cases, fragmented governance structures, a lack of technical expertise, scant financial resources, and inadequate infrastructure affects policy implementation.This research explores the implications of governmental policies for water governance in postconflict country, considering the role and impact of policy frameworks on access to clean water,equitable distribution of the resource, and sustainable management. Using a multi-framework theoretical approach, including Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), Ostrom's Institutional Analysis and Development framework, peace-building theories, and Environmental Peace building. The study investigates challenges and policy gaps that make it difficult to achieve good water governance, including institutional capacity, community engagement, and resource allocation. This study yields insights and recommendations for the enhancement of governments in their water governance frameworks to bring about stability, resilience, and development in postconflict regions. The potential contribution of international organisations to supporting long-term water governance and recovery strategies is also examined in the study.