Conflict management in the lower Moshe irrigation scheme: a case Study of Lower Moshi Irrigation Project and the Surrounding Villages.

Lower Moshe Irrigation Project (LMIP) started in 1987 with full capacity to irrigate 2300 ha of land. Currently less than 35% land is under irrigation annually, the condition is worse during dry season. Three harvests per year have been reduced to one harvest. A number of conflicts associated with water allocation have been reported in the area. This study attempts to examine the nature of the conflicts on water use towards achieving conflict management in LMIP and thereafter come up with proper conflict management measures for proper use and sustainable management of the water. The study used Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), survey and interviews in which a total of47 households were interviewed based on purposive sampling method. The data collected were statistically analysed by employing Microsoft Excel from which percentage, Pie chart, Figures, Tables and Histograms presentations were made. The study shows that, there is upstream/downstream conflict on water use. It exists between the project and small scale farmers outside the project as well as within the project farmers. Uncontrolled irrigation development, inadequate by-laws at local level, uncoordinated institutions, unrealistic water rights and developed hatred are the cause and barriers towards conflict management. The study recommends the combination of hard and soft measures; Formation of partnership through catchment associations, Rainwater harvesting, control gates, lining canals and ensuring return flows and crop change based on economic valuation are hard measures that can be addressed. Enhancement of local institutions in reviewing by-laws imparting required skills, promoting traditional conflicts resolution bodies and partnership are soft measures proposed.