Water governance and political economy
IWMI leads the development of understanding around water governance and the influence of political economy. Researchers analyze cooperative and multi-level water governance, contributing to effective water governance and reforms. They also examine policy, legal and institutional frameworks; political economy; institutions and models for transboundary cooperation and water diplomacy; and water-food policy coherence and effective policy instruments.
IWMI aims to explore the intersection of water management, policy, politics and economics to better understand the complex dynamics that influence decision-making processes related to water resources. IWMI’s research and programs:
- Investigate the structures and processes of water governance across different scales, including within countries, river basins and other statutory bodies.
- Advocate for policy coherence to align policies and maximize their combined impact on achieving development goals.
- Examine adaptive governance strategies that enhance resilience to climate-related water challenges.
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Latest publications on this topic
Brief
Leadership Development for Fast-Tracking Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) in India
International Water Management Institute | March 10th, 2026
Book Chapter
Establishing Entry Points for Sustainable and Inclusive Groundwater Use for Agriculture in the Mekong
Springer | March 10th, 2026
Book Chapter
An Innovate Way to Quantify Water Energy Food Nexus at the Watershed Scale
Springer | March 10th, 2026