Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
School of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
The highlight amongst the research outputs in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development during 2006 was undoubtedly the two books published by the researchers in the environmental economics programme (CEEPA).
The first book by Glenn-Marie Lange and Rashid Hassan entitled: The Economics of Water Management in Southern Africa: An Environmental Accounting Approach (Edward Elgar) is based on the UN’s handbook for environmental accounting and describes the implementation and policy application of water accounts in three African countries - Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The book presents a valuable new tool for water management – water resource accounting – that significantly advances the economic analysis of water.
On the same theme of water management and governance Rashid Hassan was again the co-author with Sylvain Perret and Stefano Farolfi of a book entitled: Water governance for sustainable development: Approaches and lessons from developing and transitional countries: Approaches, case studies and lessons for Africa (Earthscan publishers).
This book explores the control and governance of water as critical issues of the 21st Century. It 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 this publication 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
Contact person: Prof JF Kirsten.
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