The role of water user associations (WUAS) in managing water resource conflicts in Tanzania
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Date
2001
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated the role of WUAs in managing water resource conflicts in Kimani Sub-catchment. Different survey techniques such as library research, reconnaissance overview, interview, FGDs and personal observations were data collection methods for this study. The study revealed that conflicts among farmers, between farmers and livestock keepers, and between domestic water uses/ users were the most critical in the area. In Kimani Sub-catchment WUAs were the major institutions owning water rights and, therefore, responsible for water distribution to their members. WUAs were instrumental in negotiation and dispute resolution between different water users, whereby 76.3% of the reported cases of water conflicts for the past three years were resolved by WUAs at two levels i.e. WUA’s canal and village committees (46.6%), and WUA’s executive committees’ level (29.7%). The remained cases were resolved by ward tribunal, primary court of law and District Commissioner Office. However, absence of water right and good grazing areas for pastoralists, simple penalties to some of the wrongdoers, poor leadership and general management skills of WUAs, as well as lack of conflict management skills were some of the challenges faced WUAs in the area. It was therefore, recommended that WUAs should ensure sustainable water resource and its related conflict management by increasingly involving informal traditional systems in their operations as well as improved leadership and governance. Provision of relevant education to the local people was extremely important for enabling sustainable water use in the area.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula
Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD1699.T34K33)
Keywords
Resource, Water
Citation
Kahimba, J (2001) The role of water user associations (WUAS) in managing water resource conflicts in Tanzania, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.