Using smart water technologies to support community water governance: a systematic review of global literature and implications for South Africa
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Tafadzwa C. Maramuraa, Farai B. Mushongab, T. Gumboa
& Ishola Abdulrasaq Ajadic
a Department of Public Management and Administration, University of the Free State Business School, Bloemfontein, South Africa, b Department of Economics, Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa, c Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Johannesburg South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract: Smart water technologies (SWT) are increasingly used to improve water management and infrastructure efficiency. This study systematically reviews global literature on the relationship between SWT and community water governance, with particular attention to lessons relevant to South Africa. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, the review synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed and grey literature sources. Findings indicate that smart technologies can support improved monitoring, transparency, and decision-making in water governance systems. However, effective implementation depends on institutional capacity, community engagement, and governance structures that enable the meaningful use of technological data for
sustainable and climate-resilient water management.
Keywords: Integrating smart water technology; community-led; water governance;
technology; smart water technology
Funding: This research received external funding from Future Africa research leadership fellowship (FAR-LeaF II) programme. The programme is supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and hosted at Future Africa. The funders did not contribute anything to the process of the preparation of this article.
Tafadzwa C. Maramura, Farai B. Mushonga, T. Gumbo & Ishola Abdulrasaq Ajadi (08 Jun 2026): Using smart water technologies to support community water governance: a systematic review of global literature and implications for South Africa, International Journal of Water Resources Development, DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2026.2660798 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2026.2660798 |
