ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to provide a thorough assessment of the development context in the Zambezi River Basin. It provides a frame of reference that will appeal to Zambezi riparians as well as river basin organisations and water agencies across Africa and further abroad. The book suggests important insights into the development of hydropower generation and the integration of commercial sectors, such as agriculture and mining, while also comprising a reference point for the academic community, civil society and other interested stakeholders working on development challenges related to water, food and energy in the Zambezi River Basin. The basin has always been central to visions of economic growth and prosperity in the southern African region and there is a long history of sustained efforts to foster cooperative development. The benefits of cooperation in the Zambezi River Basin have been well demonstrated.
