Assessing the possibility of introducing of payment for ecosystem services in lake Victoria basin the case of Simiyu river sub basin

Payment for Environmental Services (PES) is a new concept, which is gaining momentum as a strategy for natural resources management and conservation. It is the mechanism which aims at environmental conservation through the use of economic incentives as the alternative source of income for the people who depend heavily on the ecosystem services. In Africa PES projects are still at the pilot stage whereby the donors and NGO play a great role in the operation of PES. The study is aiming at assessing how PES can be established in Simiyu sub basin which is experiencing the problems of degradation of its water quality and quantity influenced by human activities taking place within the sub basin. Data were collected in two districts which are Meatu and Magu using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered and content analyses were used as tools for data analysis. From all the analysis and discussions it was seen that PES can be established and help in the management and conservation of the sub basin. PES can be established in the sub basin by looking at the two aspects which are ecosystem services (water purification) and ecosystem providers that meet the criteria of introducing PES. About 57% of the respondents accepted the establishment of PES in the area. The availability of projects that are similar to PES projects and WUA provides a good condition for the PES to be established in the sub basin. And if it is established it is expected to improve hydrological services thus increase in the water quality and quantity in the sub basin.