Water Users Associations in Tanzania: Local Governance for Whom?

Richards, Nathalie

doi:10.3390/w11102178

Cited by 16 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Any water abstraction without a permit is defined as illegal and customary rights are not recognized, but in practice, many smallholder farmers abstract with no permit (informant interview, 2019). Water user associations (WUAs) are to support the formalization of water access for smallholder farmers but have so far led to mixed results as the poorest have been found to leave some farmers behind (Richards, 2019). While the extent of informal irrigation expansion alongside the planned schemes in the future is unclear, it is an ongoing process.…”

Section: Rufiji River Basinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing River Basin Development Given Water‐Energy‐Food‐Environment Interdependencies

et al. 2020

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Many river basins in the Global South are undergoing rapid development with major implications for the interdependent water‐energy‐food‐environmental (WEFE) “nexus” sectors. A range of views on the extent to which such natural‐human systems should be developed typically exists. The perceived best investments in river basins depend on how one frames the planning problem. Therefore, we propose an approach where the best possible (optimized) implementations of different river basin development scenarios are assessed by comparing their WEFE sector trade‐offs. We apply the approach to Tanzania's Rufiji river basin, an area with multiple WEFE interdependencies and high development potential (irrigation and hydropower) and ecosystem services. Performance indicators are identified through stakeholder consultation and describe WEFE sector response under scenarios of river basin development. Results show considerable potential exists for energy and irrigation expansion. Designs that prioritize energy production adversely affect environmental performance; however, part of the negative impacts can be minimized through release rules designed to replicate the natural variability of flow. The reliability of monthly energy generation is more sensitive to environmental‐oriented management than the cumulative annual energy production. Overall results highlight how sectoral trade‐offs change depending on the extent of development, something that may be difficult to regulate in the future, and that there are important basin‐scale interdependencies. Benefits and limitations of the approach and its application are discussed.

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Section: Rufiji River Basinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing River Basin Development Given Water‐Energy‐Food‐Environment Interdependencies

et al. 2020

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“…Beyond these levels, Water Users Associations (WUAs) provide a formal means for public participation in water management at a smaller geographic scale [43]. WUAs are designed to be the lowest level in the hierarchical water management structure in Tanzania, covering all or parts of the watersheds and delegating responsibility for water conservation and some aspects of water allocation permitting to residents of the respective watershed area [44]. For water allocation decisions involving Tanzanian rivers, the NAWAPO and WRM Act established an order of priority by which needs of different user groups must be considered and satisfied.…”

Section: Framework For River Conservation and Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As of 2017, 102 WUAs had been formed in Tanzania following the passage of the NAWAPO and WRM Act [43]. Similar to environmental flow assessments, the process of formation of Water User Associations (WUAs) took varied routes, often with international donor or non-governmental organisation assistance [44]. WUAs are intended to provide support to Basin Water Boards and may assist with tasks like collection of water fees, conflict management, and water monitoring.…”

Section: Framework For River Conservation and Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Conserving Rivers and Their Biodiversity in Tanzania

Seeteram

Hyera²,

Kaaya

et al. 2019

Water

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The United Republic of Tanzania (Tanzania) is rich in freshwater resources and biodiversity. In this article, we highlight the importance of Tanzanian rivers and make a case for the conservation of the freshwater and terrestrial species that rely on these rivers. We provide an overview of current knowledge on Tanzanian rivers and discuss progress towards implementation of the National Water Policy (2002) and Water Management Act (2009), two legislative instruments that have motivated environmental flow assessments on at least six major rivers and offer legal backing for river conservation. We examine major challenges that pose significant threats to water security for river ecosystems and humans in Tanzania, among those: (1) human population growth, (2) agricultural expansion, (3) river flow alterations, (4) industrialization, (5) introduced species, and (6) climate change. We conclude by offering recommendations for future river conservation efforts in Tanzania.

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“…Schreiner and Van Koppen [5] aimed to, first, further understand the implications of permit systems for both the most vulnerable and the state, and, second, identify options for pro-poor water legislation that also meet the water governance requirements of the state. Richards [6], using qualitative data, discusses Tanzanian Water Users Associations (WUAs) in light of the Regulatory Framework within which they operate. She argues that although the government's objectives are to achieve an equitable and sustainable allocation of water resources, the formalisation of water allocation has led to the exclusion of specific water users.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%