Role of Water Users Association in Water Resources Management: A Case Study of Sanya-Kware Sub-Catchment, Tanzania

Abstract

Many African governments have adopted decentralization policy by establishing water management structures to assist in the water resources management. Formation of new water user associations were considered to work on behalf of Basin Water Boards; To collect water user fees,to manage, distribute and conserve water from a source used jointly by the members of the association, to resolve conflicts between members of the association related to the joint use of a water resource  through established laws, to protect and conserve water sources and environments. However, it is not clear how the new water user associations functions to realize the goals of integrated water resources management. This study assessed the role of a newly created water user association in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment . The paper is based on three months of research in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment, Tanzania. The method used included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observations in  the sub-catchment.  Interviews and discussions were held with the leaders   of Sanya-Kware sub-catchment water user association, estates farm managers,Water Supply Trustees Managers,farmers and the Pangani Basin Water Office staff.  Field observations at the Sub-Catchment were carried to enhance quality of data. The results shows that the newly created Sanya-Kware sub-catchment water user association has not united all water users, reduced conflicts, nor promoted education to farmers on proper management of water resources. Farmers interviewed in the highland state that Sanya-Kware water users association is an association of few people and therefore has no legitimacy. This is mainly because in the highland,farmers have sufficient water and also they were not properly involved in the formation of the association. However, the water user association legitimacy and hence its functioning improves as one moves from highland to lowland areas where water is scarce. Although some of the water users from the village are cooperating others are reluctant to accept the newly created Water Users Association  in management of water resources.The complexity of the interaction between the state-led water user association and existing water  users appear to highlight the challenges of implementing integrated water resources management in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment. In order for the water user association to be effective, Pangani Basin Water Board need to put more emphasis on water users' education and awareness training at the sub-catchment level.