The control and governance of water is one of the critical issues of the 21st century. This authoritative volume shows that, in recent years, water policies, institutions and governance have shifted from technical, quantitative, supply-driven, centrally controlled management to more demand-sensitive, qualitative, decentralized, participatory, integrated approaches. The book examines these issues through case studies at national, river basin and local levels using accessible multidisciplinary approaches that integrate economics, institutional analysis, geography and policy analysis. Ultimately the book untangles and presents best practices for policy- and decision-makers, governments and regulators, NGOs and user groups, farmers, water supply companies and researchers, as well as pointing towards how good water governance structures can be developed and implemented for the benefit of all.

Sylvain Perret is Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa and Senior Researcher at Cirad. Stefano Farolfi is Visiting Senior Lecturer in Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy for Africa, University of Pretoria and Senior Researcher at Cirad. Rashid Hassan is Professor in the Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy for Africa, University of Pretoria.