Concluding Notes

From this blog assignment, I have developed a more grounded understanding of the complex physical and human dynamics of (Southern) African hydropolitics. Here are some key ideas I have taken away:  

1. International treaties and transboundary management are elusive and gaps exist in the literature, which needs addressing especially concerning possible conflict over TBAs.
2. Power-relations between riparians largely dictate the use and distribution of transboundary water resources, thus South Africa predominates.
3. Transboundary dams seem to exacerbate, than fix, Southern Africa’s water supply, demand and climate change challenges.
4. Virtual water has great potential for SADC region; it reconciles South Africa’s thirst for economic development and regional hegemony while sustaining its environmental capital.