𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐈𝐙 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐟𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛-𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) is currently hosting a Technical Assistance and Information Exchange with experts from the European Union and GIZ to strengthen water dispute resolution in the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment.

Speaking when she welcomed the delegation of experts, Acting Director General Mrs. Misozi Ngulube-Lumpa emphasized the need for collaborative and forward-looking approaches to water governance, noting that effective dispute resolution requires strong partnerships, community engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.

Supported under the AWARE 2.0 Project, the mission complements WARMA’s ongoing efforts to address water-related conflicts in the catchment.

The programme includes field visits to key sites such as the Kasaka Gauging Station, Upper Kaleya, and the Magoye River in Mazabuka, where experts are engaging directly with communities to analyse the socio-economic and environmental drivers of water disputes.

The Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment is one of Zambia’s most vital water systems, supporting hydropower generation, irrigation, fisheries, and urban water supply.

However, increasing demand and climate variability have intensified competition for water resources, leading to disputes that affect livelihoods, productivity, and community well-being.

Through this engagement, WARMA is drawing on international best practices, including lessons from the Finnish Water Cooperation and Peace Water Way initiative, to strengthen mechanisms for early dispute prevention, stakeholder engagement, mediation, and negotiation.

The outcomes of the mission will contribute to the development of a localized and sustainable water dispute resolution framework tailored to Zambia’s context.

This initiative brings together WARMA technical staff, traditional leaders, farming communities, and the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring that water remains a resource for cooperation rather than conflict.