Exploring the Resilience of Groundwater Governance in Malawi

Overarching Research question:What are the governance reforms needed if groundwater is to be sustainably utilised as a key resource in Malawi, and in ways that enhance both social and environmental resilience?Specific questions to explore:1.What current forms of ownership, including private, co-operative and community arrangements, are in place, and what implications do these have for groundwater governance?2.How are land and water rights enacted in practice, particularly in places where there are transboundary aquifers, and what are the impacts of this in relation to local governance?3.In what way does local knowledge feed into current and prospective groundwater developments and how does this impact community resilience and the longevity of projects initialised? 4.What changes and reforms could be pursued in groundwater governance arrangements in order to better contribute to achievement of UN sustainability goals.