Evaluating the Effectiveness of Sustainable Water Management Practices in Promoting Community Health in Kavango East Region of Namibia

Poor water management doesn't just lead to water scarcity; it is also driving a health crisis in Namibia. The aim of this study was to generate solid, applicable, evidence-based insights that will inform and enhance the present community water management policy and practice in a way that markedly improves community health. This study adopted a qualitative research approach. Sixteen participants selected using purposive sampling. Four participants answered semi structured questionnaires and twelve were interviewed. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. On the impact of sustainable water management, the study found social, economic and environmental protection as benefits to the community. On support provided by government, the study found effective support in some areas and failure in other areas. Specifically, delays, budget dry up, ineffective engagement of the grassroots community and selective development were found as short comings by government. These barriers were established to be the major causes of ineffective sustainable water management. Health and quality were found to exist in areas where there is clean water, while most rural places that are far away from institutions were found to use unsafe water. Therefore, the study revealed that sustainable water management practices are promoting health in a few areas of the region, with a larger part left out. The exclusion of these areas implies that, Namibia will not be able to achieve Sustainable Development Goal six. The study recommended inclusive engagement of the community and adoption of contextualised interventions to promote sustainable water management. In addition, the study recommended benchmarking to create opportunities to learn from the best. Furthermore, realistic robust strategic planning was indicated as necessary to help leadership in prioritizing sustainable water management projects. Moreover, a stakeholder integrated approach is recommended, to enhance synergetic benefits and taking all on board.