The Companion Modeling and Water Allocation Strategies: Africa: an Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy

The research was conducted in Africa where the Companion Modeling (ComMod) approach was adopted in order to facilitate water allocation strategies for a limited water resource in a complex catchment with competing water users. Through ComMod the model KatAWARE and its related role-playing game was developed by having contact with local stakeholders. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points.the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.