The impact of water insecurity on human security: Experiences from Somalia: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science
The impact of water insecurity on human security: Experiences from Somalia: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science
Marra, S. M.
Marra, S. M.
Date
2008
Type
Dissertation
Fields of Research
ANZSRC::350703 Disaster and emergency management , ANZSRC::380101 Agricultural economics , ANZSRC::470205 Cultural studies of agriculture, food and wine , ANZSRC::370799 Hydrology not elsewhere classified
Abstract
The 1994 UNDP Human Development Report pioneered the concept of human security. This entailed a shift in
the framing of security from physical security at the level of the nation state to a more people-centred concept
consisting of seven highly interdependent constructs. Significantly, water security was not amongst them.
Furthermore, there has been a strong focus on water problems in recent years, from flooding to drought to waterborne
disease, and the immense impact of these issues. No concept has been able to encapsulate the range of
these problems and the relationships between them. Because the concept of water security has the potential to
encompass this complexity, this research aimed to test the theory that water security should be included as a
facet of human security. Through seven case studies conducted with participants from Somalia, the relationships
between water issues and each of the constructs of human security are investigated in this study. This was to
ascertain the interdependence of water and human security constructs at the level of the individual or household.
The results of both qualitative and quantitative analysis suggested that water security integrates diverse water
problems and, whilst specific relationships vary by region, economic status and urban/rural living, it is strongly
interrelated with the human security constructs. This provides compelling support for the suggestion that water
security, in its own right, should be included in the model of human security. The concept of water security is an
opportunity for water issues to be addressed in more holistic and therefore more effective ways.
Permalink
Source DOI
Rights
https://researcharchive.lincoln.ac.nz/pages/rights
Creative Commons Rights
Access Rights
Digital thesis can be viewed by current staff and students of Lincoln University only. If you are the author of this item, please contact us if you wish to discuss making the full text publicly available.