Challenges in managing water problems : a case study of the Usangu basin of Tanzania

Abstract

In countries where agriculture is the backbone of the economic development, lack of or inability to access enough water is a major cause of poverty. Tanzania and in particular Usangu basin where this research was done is one such example. Usangu is a very important area to Tanzania as it has the catchments for Ruaha River, important for agriculture. In addition, Ruaha contributes to Mtera Dam which produces over 50% of the country's electricity. Ruaha is drying due to uncontrolled use of water in Usangu basin affecting both the basin and the country as a whole. Different projects (sponsored by government and donors) have been carried out since the recognition of that this is a national problem. A new water policy (NAWAPO) has also been introduced by the Government emphasizing on community involvement in water management strategies.

This research was done because most of the projects in Usangu are unsustainable, dying out as soon as implementation ends. The introduction of the NAWAPO has not changed this trend. On the contrary, the situation is getting worse. The research has critically examined whether the participatory approach and gender responsiveness; both proposed by the NAWAPO are suitable for Usangu basin.

The study is exploratory, using a grounded theory approach to obtain the perspective of the four key stakeholder groups starting with the general problem of water in Usangu. It obtained data and other detailed information through the use of multiple methods of questionnaire and face to face interview.

While NAWAPO has emphasized community participation and gender balance in its politics, people remain preoccupied with having enough water. Problems arise because there are different views on what constitute to participation and because gender imbalance is ingrained in the culture. People support the politics in theory but see them as unrealistic goals, and not relevant to immediate water problems.

The research concludes that policies themselves need to be developed with community inclusion if the community are to be key implementers. Then the projects implementing the policies may be felt to be owned by the communities. Further research is need to looking for realistic ways of solving Usangu problems under the existing circumstances.