Influence of Water Users’ Associations for the Sustainability of Water Resources Management: A Case Study of Mkoji Catchment in Rufiji Basin.

Lyamongo, Tumaini Lukanazya (2021) Influence of Water Users’ Associations for the Sustainability of Water Resources Management: A Case Study of Mkoji Catchment in Rufiji Basin. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Across the world, the wellbeing of societies depends heavily upon the ability to harness water as a productive resource. Competition for water resources among different users in the basin creates challenges in managing and allocating these resources. The general objective of the study was to investigate the influence of water users’ associations (WUAs) for the sustainability of water resources management with reference to Mkoji catchment in Rufiji basin. Cross-sectional study design was used in the study whereby a sample size of 50 participants who participated in the interview and FGDs was used that included WUAs leaders and members. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews and FGDs were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicates that, WUAs are facing challenges of inadequate technical and financial capacity with conflicting roles and responsibilities. Yet, WUAs have facilitated with little funds led to improper utilization and management of the catchment area. Also, WUAs has been incorporated in various activities such as participating in meetings with heterogeneous groups, managing afforestation and restoration of trees and other species something that discourage soil erosion and siltation. However, the unsuitable design of WUAs has led to a situation in which the authority of the WUA is bypassed. Thus, in their current form, WUAs are inadequately shaped to undertake the role of monitoring formal water use permits. It is recommended that without its local arm, the basin water board has little leverage to control water use throughout the basin. Keywords: Ability to harness water, productive resource, Mkoji catchment, Rufiji basin

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