LAWI301248 Development cooperation in the water sector

Type
Lecture
Semester hours
1
Lecturer (assistant)
Eder, Gerald
Organisation
Hydrology and Water Management
Offered in
Wintersemester 2025/26
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

This course provides an applied overview of the water sector within international development cooperation, with a strong focus on real-world projects, institutional frameworks, and professional practice.

Invited guest lecturers from international organisations and engineering companies provide first-hand insights into their professional work, offering diverse perspectives from different regions, institutions, and thematic fields.

The course is organised over five afternoons. In each session, two to three experts present their experiences and illustrate their work through concrete case studies from different countries and contexts.

Each guest lecture follows a similar structure, combining a brief professional introduction with a thematic presentation based on real project experience. Speakers introduce their career paths and organisations, providing students with insights into the diversity of roles and institutional settings in the international water sector and highlighting potential career opportunities.

The thematic presentations cover a broad cross-section of topics related to the water sector in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. These include, for example, hydrology, water resources management, water supply and sanitation infrastructure, hydropower development, natural hazards, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The content is delivered by senior experts and managers and addresses both technical aspects and practical challenges encountered in international projects. In addition, students gain insights into practical methodological and technical approaches that experts highlight as particularly relevant based on their professional experience. The aim is to expose students to the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the water sector in development cooperation.

The course emphasises practical insights and professional experience rather than theoretical or methodological depth. Active participation and in-person attendance are expected, as the course relies on direct interaction with guest speakers.
Previous knowledge expected

Students are expected to have basic knowledge in water management, hydrology, environmental or natural resources management, or equivalent experience.

They should be familiar with key concepts such as the hydrological cycle, river basin management, sustainability, and fundamental planning processes.

A general understanding of international development cooperation, including institutional and governance aspects, is beneficial.

Participants are expected to demonstrate analytical thinking skills, an interest in interdisciplinary perspectives, and a willingness to actively participate in discussions, group work, and case studies.

Proficiency in English is required.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

-describe the structure and key actors of the international water sector in development cooperation
-explain the roles and approaches of different organisations, such as development banks, NGOs, and consulting firms
-analyse real-world case studies from different water-related sub-sectors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
-identify key technical, institutional, and governance-related challenges in water projects
-reflect on potential career paths in the international water sector
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.