IWRM-led water reforms in southern Africa have emphasised the creation of new institutions with little explanation regarding how these institutions can effectively engage with stakeholders at different levels, especially at the local level.The study investigated the applicability of the subsidiarity principle in transboundary water resources management, particularly the concept of local participation in the Limpopo Basin, Zimbabwe. Participation clauses were analysed in SADC, basin and national frameworks. At the local level three wards in Shashe subcatchment of Mzingwane catchment in...