Assessment of the Role of Water User Associations’ Leadership on the Sustainability of Water Resources in Mara Catchment Area, Tanzania.

Mangasa, Ogoma (2025) Assessment of the Role of Water User Associations’ Leadership on the Sustainability of Water Resources in Mara Catchment Area, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of leadership within water user associations (WUAs) on the sustainability of water resources in the Mara watershed area. A positivist mindset and explanatory research design were employed utilizing a quantitative technique. A sample size of 218 respondents was acquired using simple random sampling among Water User Association leaders and water users, with data collected via questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Additionally, linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the variables. The findings indicated that capacity building and training programs were advantageous for water users in managing water resources. Consequently, capacity building and training initiatives have led to the mitigation of costs and disputes that have arisen. The findings indicated that WUA leaders successfully replicated their conflict resolution skills by addressing disputes among farmers, handling physical altercations over water usage, and preventing vandalism related to water use in the catchment region. Furthermore, the findings revealed that engagement and participation of WUAs leaders have been fruitful as WUAs leaders were able to understand issues on climate change and its impacts, participated in knowledge provision to water users, engaged in participatory processes in water conservation and involved in accountability activities. It was concluded that proper management of water resources is vital to all parties in the catchment area. It is recommended that Mara basin management needs to improve and support WUAs leaders’ engagement and participation towards sustaining water resources in the area. Keywords: Water user associations; Leadership; Sustainability of water resources; Mara catchment area

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