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The intent of the study was to assess the participation of LGAs and the performance of integrated water resources management a case study of Little Ruaha River Iringa District. The study used a cross-sectional design to achieve its objectives. A sample size of 100 respondents was drawn using purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques were questionnaires, in –depth interview, observation, focus group discussion [FDG] and documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences [SPSS]. For qualitative data content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings were presented in tables, charts and figures to ease interpretations.
The study revealed that participation of LGAs in IWRM has been enhanced through establishment of District facilitation teams, water user associations in form of irrigators associations and community owned water supply organizations and village environmental committees. Further the findings indicated that local government authorities are involved in water resources management through various activities which include formation of water user associations, formation of water and environment committees, formulation of environmental and water sources protection bylaws and preparation of land use plans. The study findings also show that there is a good relationship between local government authorities and Basin water authorities. However, findings from the study revealed that local government authorities face a number of problems in managing water resources which include lack of funds, poor irrigation infrastructure, population increase, climate change. Moreover, findings from the study indicated that local government authorities are able to influence the performance of integrated water resources management in their areas of jurisdiction.
The study recommendations include: increasing technical capacity by employing more extension officers at the ward and village level, allocating sufficient resources for construction and improving irrigation infrastructures, enforcement of water and environmental conservation by-laws developed by local government authorities. |
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