Puntland - the very horn of Africa - has almost no surface water and presents unique challenges when developing water policy. Following a risk assessment and a participatory approach, the Government of Puntland has successfully developed, approved and launched a new policy. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a participatory process and risk assessment led to the successful recognition and implementation of a water policy under testing circumstances.

Allan, J.A (2003) ‘Virtual water. The water, food and trade nexus: Useful concept or misleading metaphor?’ Water International 28: 4-11.

United Republic of Tanzania (2002) Tanzania National Water Policy http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm [accessed 28.11.08] http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm

Allan, J.A (2003) ‘Virtual water. The water, food and trade nexus: Useful concept or misleading metaphor?’ Water International 28: 4-11.

United Republic of Tanzania (2002) Tanzania National Water Policy http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm [accessed 28.11.08] http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm

Allan, J.A (2003) ‘Virtual water. The water, food and trade nexus: Useful concept or misleading metaphor?’ Water International 28: 4-11.

United Republic of Tanzania (2002) Tanzania National Water Policy http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm [accessed 28.11.08] http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm

Allan, J.A (2003) ‘Virtual water. The water, food and trade nexus: Useful concept or misleading metaphor?’ Water International 28: 4-11.

United Republic of Tanzania (2002) Tanzania National Water Policy http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm [accessed 28.11.08] http://www. tzonline.org/maji/start.htm