**3.1 The "Integrated" in IRM, INRM and IWRM**

Firstly, the term Integrated Resource Management (IRM) is somewhat ambiguous and not always clearly defined, and, as such, is often operationalised in a variety of ways. Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) has been described as a conscious process of incorporating multiple aspects of natural resource use into a system of sustainable management to meet explicit production goals of farmers and other uses (e.g., profitability, risk reduction) as well as goals of the wider community (sustainability) (Sayer and Campbell, 2004). INRM is also described as an approach that integrates research about different types of natural resources into stakeholder-driven processes of adaptive management and innovation. The aim of this process is to improve livelihoods, agroecosystem resilience, agricultural productivity and environmental services at community, eco-regional and global scales of intervention and impact (Thomas, 2002). The focus is agriculture specific, which speaks to the chapter's focus on integrated water allocation and land reform.

A related term that is also of relevance to this chapter is that of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which the Technical Advisory Committee of the Global Water Partnership (GWP-TAC) defines as follows:

*"IWRM is a process, which promotes the co-ordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximise the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems" (GWP-TAC, 2000).* 

The distinction between "integrated" and "traditional" management of water and natural resources relies largely on the scope and sphere of operation of the two. "Traditional" management is typically sector-oriented (water supply, irrigation, agriculture, hydropower, etc.) and focused on satisfying the perceived demands within each sector. "Integrated" management, in contrast, attempts to take a cross-sectoral approach and focuses on the management of water and natural resources, as well as the demand, supply and use of water and natural resources (Gooch and Stålnacke 2006).

It is argued that the successful implementation of IWRM can prevent human health, economic and environmental losses that might hamper development and frustrate poverty reduction efforts. In addition, the participative processes that make up ''good'' IWRM can help developing countries to meet the millennium development goals (MDGs). The MDGs aim to address poverty, gender equality and health issues and also strive to attain environmental sustainability (Jonch-Clausen, 2004).

Operationally, and similar to INRM, IWRM approaches apply knowledge from several disciplines as well as multiple stakeholders to devise and implement efficient, equitable and sustainable solutions to water and development problems. As such, IWRM is a comprehensive, participatory planning tool that involves the coordinated planning and management of land, water and other environmental resources for their equitable, efficient and sustainable use (Calder, 1999). Key points here are process, coordination, and the relationship between sustainability and economic and social welfare. IWRM can be seen as consisting of five main characteristics that may cause complications and problems and necessitate action: Multi-functionality (e.g., fishing, farming, water supply), user interests and conflicts, multiple managers at different levels (e.g., local, regional, national), asymmetric power relations (e.g., up- and downstream users and managers), and technical complexity (Mostert, 1998).
