Governance mechanisms for the sustainable use of groundwater in agriculture

The study, commissioned by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), addresses the urgent need for sustainable groundwater governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Groundwater may provide considerable potential to support food security in Sub-Saharan Africa - if managed and used sustainably. This study identifies policy instruments, management and governance mechanisms to promote the sustainable use of groundwater in agriculture, especially by small-holder farmers. For this, the study outlines common policy instruments and organisational structures for groundwater governance from the literature. It analyses challenges and lessons learned in implementing groundwater governance in case studies from China, India, Ghana and Spain. The study concludes with recommendations on how to address common challenges in implementing sustainable groundwater governance and provides a checklist to support decision-making on risks and opportunities for engagement in groundwater irrigation by small holder farmers. 

The study evaluates various governance instruments—including regulatory frameworks, economic incentives, and cooperative management structures—assessing their successes and limitations. Findings indicate that while numerous policy tools exist, their effectiveness is often hampered by weak enforcement, political resistance, and inadequate institutional capacity. The study emphasizes the need for context-specific governance solutions, stronger stakeholder involvement, and cross-sectoral coordination to ensure groundwater sustainability.