Factors influencing performance of water resource users associations in the upper Ewaso Ngiro north sub catchment area, Laikipia county

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influenced performance of water resource users association in the Upper Ewaso Ngiro North sub-catchment area. The objectives of the study were to determine how water sector regulations; socio-economic household factors; and the technical capacity influenced performance of a WRUA. Data for this study was gathered through a descriptive survey among respondents drawn from the household members of WRUAs in the Upper Ewaso Ngiro catchment, executive Committee members, as well as Water Resource Management Authority officers in Laikipia County. Simple random sampling was utilized in the selection of member respondents in the study, while data was collected through an interview guide and household survey questionnaires. Data collected during the study was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that there is a significant relationship between water regulations on performance of WRUAs in the Upper Ewaso Ngiro WRUAs. It also confirmed that there is a significant relationship between the socio-economic household activities of the water resource users and the performance of Upper Ewaso Ngiro WRUAs. Further, the study also found that there is a significant relationship between the technical capacity of WRUAs and their performance in water resource conservation. The study concluded that water resource users’ associations provide an opportunity for the involvement of stakeholders and beneficiaries in joint management of water resources and conflict resolution. The study recommends that in order to promote improved performance of the WRUAs in sustainability of catchment conservation and protection activities, WRUA members should be given continued support by the government, donor agencies and local leadership through institutional support mechanisms, formation of internal policies, legislation, proper monitoring and continued capacity building. It also recommends that there is need to regularly audit the activities and operations of WRUAs so as to strategically enhance their performance and improve their effectiveness.