Water, Peace, and Security Partnership Meeting in Mali
Progress and Future Directions
In a recent meeting held in Mali, the Water, Peace, and Security (WPS) partnership made significant strides in addressing water-related conflicts within the Inner Niger Delta. A team comprising Yasir Mohamed, head of the IHE Delft-led Water Peace and Security, Karounga Keita, the Director of Wetlands International Sahel Office, and Kadiatou Keta, the Director of International Alert Mali, embarked on a field trip to Mopti and Djenné. Their mission was to discuss project findings and explore future perspectives for the initiative.
Engagement with Local Stakeholders
Since its inception in 2019, the WPS programme in Mali has been actively engaging with various stakeholders in the Inner Niger Delta, including government agencies and local communities of farmers, fishermen and herders. These communities often compete over the vital ecosystem services provided by the Niger Delta, raising tensions and often leading to conflicts. Through system analysis, capacity building, mobilization and dialogue, the WPS programme has been working diligently to identify and mitigate these water-related conflicts.
Dialogue and Debate in Mopti
On 29 July, the WPS team attended a pivotal dialogue in Mopti, where participants debated two critical issues. The first issue centred around the route of livestock crossing the Niger River, a frequent source of conflict among herders, farmers, and sand miners. The second issue was the increasing waste generated by the City of Mopti, which is being dumped directly into the river, polluting the shoreline and adversely affecting fishing activities.
Outcomes and Success Stories
Previous dialogues facilitated by the WPS programme have led to specific recommendations, which were implemented by local communities after approval from local authorities. Testimonies from local governors and community members highlighted a significant reduction in violent conflicts as a direct result of these community engagement forums. This success underscores the importance of continuous dialogue and collaborative action in resolving water-related conflicts.
Reflections and Future Perspectives
Despite the substantial progress made, the WPS team recognizes the need for further documentation of impacts to substantiate the programme's success. Ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives is crucial, raising questions about how to institutionalize these efforts locally and develop a robust exit strategy.
Looking ahead to Phase III, the team discussed several new ideas, contingent upon available funding. Emphasizing the importance of feedback among partners, they aim to enhance dialogue and ensure integrated implementation of their initiatives.
Suggestions for Improvement
To further strengthen the WPS programme, two key suggestions were put forward:
- Training on Results-Based Management (RBM): Enhancing skills to link outputs, outcomes, and impacts will be crucial for future success. Keita emphasized the need for comprehensive training in this area.
- International Conference: Organizing an international conference on Water, Peace, and Security could provide a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and best practices, furthering the cause on a global scale.
The recent meeting in Mali has reaffirmed the commitment of the WPS partnership to fostering peace and security through effective water management. As the programme moves forward, continuous engagement, innovative ideas, and a strong focus on sustainability will be essential in achieving long-term success in the Inner Niger Delta and beyond.