The Analysis of Problem Perceptions and Systemic Interdependencies in the Case of the Water Supply Regime in Central Northern Namibia

摘要

In this paper, the application of an indicator is presented which allows for the identification and assessment of different problem perceptions and world views within an interview survey on central northern Namibia's water supply regime. The study reveals on which interdependencies in the system the interviewed stakeholders agree on and on which not. Homogeneous interdependencies can be interpreted as a kind of validation of the model that represents the underlying real-world problem. Heterogeneous interdependencies can be interpreted as uncertainties in the model. The case study area is the Cuvelai-Etosha-Basin in central northern Namibia. Its water supply regime is a hybrid of a centralised large-technical system and several decentralised traditional water supply techniques. The large technical system is dependent on external water resources from Angola. The region is furthermore determined by high precipitation variability, absence of perennial rivers, saline groundwater, population growth, and urbanisation. Up to half of the Namibian population is living in this area and their water demand exceeds the local natural resources.