The Theory and Practice of Governance of Water Resources in Zimbabwe1

Since independence in 1980, agricultural land reform in Zimbalnve has been and continues to receive extensive discussion, although tlie question of how the distributed land ivill be governed has not been spelt out adequately. This article examines the issue of governance of water resources in Zimbabuv since water and land are complementary in agricultural production. The question being addressed is whether the theory of governance of water resources, as laid out in the new water legislation, is leading to a betterment of the management of water resources in the country. The analysis is based on recorded meetings of the Save Catchment Council and two of its subcatchments, the Odzi and Upper Save, representing the ueio institutions created to ensure local participation in the management of ivater resources. The analysis focuses on the functions and responsibilities assigned to the institutions, the power and authority that they are allowed to wield and then-capacity in relation to information, knowledge, and skill base. The article shozus that the issue of governance of water resources in Zimbabwe is imbued or endoived with a lot of theory, which is difficult tofollozv in practice. For example, it has not guaranteed the empowerment of all stakeholders. There is a need to revisit some of the regulations to make them facilitate good governance of water resources through strong local participation