Factors influencing water strategy objectives fulfillment: A survey findings from Sudan

Abstract

Challenges faced by countries in their struggle for economic and social development are increasingly related to water. Developing and managing water resources requires an appropriate water strategy. However, many factors influence the achievement of desired goals of water strategies. This qualitative study analyzes factors influencing water strategies to promote appropriate water management. Data was collected during 2019 from 10 states of North Kurdufan, White Nile, Gezira, Sennar, Gedarif, Khartoum, Kassala, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern state in Sudan. A total of 300 people including water officials, water supply engineers, and community leaders were interviewed. Water availability, community participation, coordination between water institutions, integrated water resources management (IWRM), and finance were identified as factors influencing water strategy objectives fulfillment. Out of 300 respondents in all states, a group of 149 (49.7%), mentioned that water strategy objectives were fulfilled and more than half of the respondents 151 (50.3%) evaluated that water strategy objectives were not fulfilled. A multiple regression statistically significantly predicted water strategy objective achievement, F (5, 295) = 57.6314 p < .005, R = .704. R2 = .485, from water availability, coordination between water‐related institutions, IRWM, and availability of finance. Results show that community participation, water availability, coordination between water‐related institutions, and availability of finance are insignificantly (p > .005) influenced water strategy objective fulfillment. The findings will contribute to the social dimension of water resources management and development.