Integrated Water Resource Management, Sustainability, and Pollution Abatement in Malawi

Abstract

With the introduction of IWRM, local government institutions are expected to control water-related pollution, which is often associated with new water resource management, supply, and sanitation responsibilities devolved to them as part of decentralisation. The aim of this study was to look into eco-efficiency, environmental performance, physical scarcity and economic scarcity trends, sustainable variables, and externalities associated with the introduction of IWRM in Malawi. Focus group discussions and interviews were conducted with policymakers and households in Ntcheu, Mangochi, and Balaka. Findings confirmed that the challenges local levels of government face in managing water infrastructure and formulation of pollution control measures are a result of the fact that adoption of IWRM happened without any readiness to do so, especially in terms of water-related pollution control.