Social network analysis as a tool for improved water governance in Malta

Abstract

Good water governance requires the participation of all stakeholders in the decision making process. Social network analysis (SNA) is a technique that permits the establishment of that stakeholder cohort which is considered to have an interest in the sector. Moreover, it demonstrates the nature and strength of stakeholder interactions to consolidate existing strong ties and develop weaker ones. Stakeholders having strong ties are considered to be influential whilst those having weak ties risk being isolated from contributing to a robust water governance framework. Stakeholders in the water sector can range from government-based entities to sector organisations and non-governmental organisations. When SNA was applied to the Maltese water sector it transpired that the sector is dominated by the more established actors. Worrying is the fact that, for example, agricultural organisations, despite the demand for water they exert, are still on the fringe of the water debate.