Mlengule, Digna2020-07-012020-07-012007Mlengule, D. (2007) The role of local community in water resources management in Hagafiro river catchment, Njombe district, Tanzania.Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.http://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12917Available in printed form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF TC409.T34M573The study examined the role of local community in water resources management in Hagafiro river catchment in Njombe district, Tanzania. The study employed IWRM approach as conceptual framework that explains the water resources management in comprehensive way. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. A total of 163 households 10% were surveyed in the selected villages. Semi structured interviews, focus group discussion, field observation and documentary search were the techniques employed in data collection. It was found that local communities have been utilizing mainly surface water from streams, natural springs and shallow wells for various needs. Water availability such as surface water was found decreasing as evidenced by rapid increase of haphazard boreholes development. It was also found that local communities rely on unsafe water which is also found far away from their homestead and they were vulnerable to water related diseases, water use conflicts and environmental degradation. The local communities possess informal institutions such as family and clan which supervise management of water resources using traditional knowledge. However it was noted that formal governmental institutions such as RBWO failed to compliment informal institutions. This was a result of lack of local community involvement in planning and decision making process and poor dissemination of the information. It was also revealed that planning is based on sectors and there is ineffective integration between sectors in managing water resources. It is therefore concluded that local community play important role in managing water resources through the use of their informal strategies based on family and clan institutions. To arrest the unsustainable water resource management there should be integration of informal and formal institutions rules. Furthermore awareness creation, improvement of education, committed government and capacity building are important to strengthen water resources management as well as other natural resources.enWater resources developmentHagafiro River CatchmentNjombe districtTanzaniaThesis