✍ Scribed by Douglas J. Merrey
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
This paper challenges water professionals to ask fundamental questions about public actions for water resources development and currently accepted knowledge and skills used to pursue these actions. It critically examines three common assumptions underlying the current water resources development paradigm: that “water security” is a necessary condition for economic growth and lack of it is preventing development of poor countries; that achieving water security requires massive public infrastructure development; and “stakeholder consultation” is sufficient to minimize potential social and environmental damage while maximizing equitable benefit sharing. Using examples from Africa, the paper raises questions about these assumptions and suggests there are alternative agricultural water interventions that cost less and have higher benefits. The lack of sufficient attention to alternatives to large‐scale infrastructure reflects the failure of water professionals to recognize the political nature of water development. The conclusion poses five sets of research questions and encourages students to pursue these while questioning the normal water resources development paradigm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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