Assessment of the trends and presence of Water Related Conflicts in the Upper Ewaso Nyiro North River Basin: ACase for Laikipia County

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess how water resources are accessed, used and managed by diverse users pursuingdifferent socio-economic activities amicably. The Theory of Access, Game Theory, and Tragedy of Commons informed the study. Datawas collected using primary and secondary sources. Primary data collection tools were structured questionnaires, key informantinterviews, focus group discussions and transect walks. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis (SPSS version) andsummative content analysis was applied for qualitative data analysis. The study findings showed that both upstream households anddownstream households agreed that there were water related conflicts in the Upper Ewaso Nyiro River Basin.

The study finally concludedthat ensuring equal access to water resources among various water users in the Upper Ewaso Nyiro would go a long way ensuring reducedwater related conflicts among various water users. There is a need for respect for law and order as set up by water management to promote equity, pro-environmental practices and land use appreciation of conservation agriculture. Anthropogenic causes of waterscarcity and the related conflicts can be addressed so as to prevent future conflicts resulting to loss of lives and property among waterusers members. These disagreements can be addressed by developing an effective communication mechanism to ensure that all the partiesshare the same data and information regarding the water resource.