| This thesis is a qualitative case study analysis of the informal and formal organizations that exist for water resource management (WRM) from a gender perspective in rural South Africa. This study takes place in a rural community, Sofaya village, in Limpopo province. Various participatory research methods were used to obtain results including community mapping, focus group discussions and wealth ranking. In addition, document analysis, participant observation, semi-structured and key informant interviews were undertaken. The study revealed that key factors such as external intervention, local power structures, conflict over water resources and community perceptions suggest that various peripheral influences play a significant role in the sustainability of WRM organizations. Findings also indicated that the evolution of water committees in Sofaya including greater opportunities for gender-sensitive participation was primarily facilitated by external intervention. |
