Factors Influencing Management of Water Resources in Athi River Basin Project, Lari Sub County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

There is wide spread scarcity of water because demand exceeds the supply of water. This scarcity is mainly attributed to increasing population and climate change. The water scarcity is severe in arid and semi-arid areas with human settlements. Severe water shortage has led to conflicts among communities. In Kenya, there is a need to manage water resources in order to have effective and sustainable water use. In Kenya water is managed by Water Resource Management Authority and management activities are implemented by the Water Resource Users Association. The purpose of this study was to assess factors which influence management of water resources in Athi River Basin in Lari Sub County in Kiambu County. The objectives of the study were to: assess Stakeholders involvement in water resources management in Lari Sub County, assess factors influencing training of water users on water resource management in Lari Sub County, assess water conservation strategies used in Lari Sub County; and assess agro-chemicals influencing water quality in Lari Sub County. The target population was 1227 and included Water Resource User Associations members from Lari Sub County, the executive committee and the officials of the Water Resource Management Authority in Kiambu County. A sample size of 175 respondents was used in the study. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study and Information was collected through questionnaire and interview schedules. In the field section, using simple sampling method, information was collected from members. Results indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between the variable of management of water resources, assess Stakeholders involvement, participation in training, water conservation strategies used and assess agro-chemicals influencing water quality. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 and data was presented using Tables. The key findings on stakeholder involvement showed that the majority of respondents were male aged between 35 years to 45 years who were mainly self-employed. It was further noted that most of community projects were being managed by elected members of Water Resource User Association. Water conservation strategies used was weak in the majority of members, improved by the introduction of a Stakeholders operator. The report emphasizes the need for participation in training; an aim found not to be entirely unrealistic. Simplicity in management structures is recommended. Flat-rate contributions and a punitive bond are highlighted as important elements of the Stakeholders operator’s contract. There is currently an absence of regulation at the member’s level. The ongoing use of alternative sources is found to undermine cost recovery, but also highlights the priority given by users to water softness. Most respondents also stated not attending trainings that were held in the group and the few that attended the training stated that they found training on use of technology more useful. The findings on the third objective showed that most group members had boreholes and others harvested rain water for irrigation. However, it was noted that a small percentage did not engage in any water conservation measures. The findings on the third objective showed that Di-Ammonium Phosphate was the commonly used fertilizer for planting food crops and the list used fertilizer was Calcium Ammonium Nitrate which is used for dressing. It was further noted that few farmers practiced organic farming. Most farmers also used protective clothing when applying pesticides. The findings were used to indicate the factors that eventually affect water quantity and quality, the information will be useful to the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Local not for profit organizations and Community Based Organizations.