Water-related Conflicts in the Malewa River Basin in Nakuru County, Kenya – 1980 - 2012

Abstract

This study examines water-related conflicts in the Malewa River Basin between 1980 and 2012, with a focus on conflicts that arose with the introduction of new livelihoods in the area. Using library and field research techniques of text analysis and coding field interviews, respectively; the study discovered that prior to the introduction of horticulture, conflicts occurred between large-scale agriculturalists and cattle ranchers due to competition over the usage and access to land. The advent of flower cultivation caused disputes to increase because the amount of water required rose as horticulture and fish pond farming grew and expanded. Conflicts in the Malewa basin arise from a scarcity of water resources and a competition over the same