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Challenges of optimal implementation of formal water rights systems for irrigation in the Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania

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  • Rajabu, Kossa R.M.
  • Mahoo, Henry F.

Abstract

In many countries around the world, increasing attention is being directed to the need to improve water rights systems. This paper is based on a recent study undertaken to investigate challenges facing optimal implementation of formal water rights systems for irrigation purposes in the Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania. The study integrated social survey, hydrologic, water abstraction and water use data, and Geographical Information System techniques. The results showed that all the canals studied, except one, abstracted water throughout the year, provided there was water in the rivers irrespective of the conditions spelt out in their formal water rights. The formal water rights were also found to be problematic as the quantities to be abstracted were much higher compared to the actual water requirements and the actual river flows. This resulted in over-abstraction of water and increased water shortages for downstream users. The study concludes that although formal water rights are meant to control and regulate the use of water, they are also subject to abuse if not managed and monitored closely. The basin authorities in Tanzania therefore need to be equipped adequately and collaborate more closely with local water users in order to attain high levels of supervision and monitoring essential for optimal implementation of formal water rights systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajabu, Kossa R.M. & Mahoo, Henry F., 2008. "Challenges of optimal implementation of formal water rights systems for irrigation in the Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 95(9), pages 1067-1078, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:95:y:2008:i:9:p:1067-1078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rajabu, Kossa R.M., 2007. "Use and impacts of the river basin game in implementing integrated water resources management in Mkoji sub-catchment in Tanzania," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 94(1-3), pages 63-72, December.
    2. Rajabu, K. R. M. & Mahoo, H. F. & Sally, Hilmy & Mashauri, D. A., 2005. "Water abstraction and use patterns and their implications on downstream river flows: a case study of Mkoji Sub-Catchment in Tanzania," Conference Papers h041163, International Water Management Institute.
    3. van Koppen, Barbara & Sokile, C. S. & Hatibu, N. & Lankford, B. A. & Mahoo, H. & Yanda, P.Z., 2004. "Formal water rights in rural Tanzania: Deepening the dichotomy?," IWMI Working Papers H035857, International Water Management Institute.
    4. Rajabu, K. R. M. & Mahoo, H. F. & Sally, Hilmy, 2005. "Water abstraction and use patterns and their implications on downstream river flows: a case study of Mkoji Sub-Catchment in Tanzania," Conference Papers h037534, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Sampath, Rajan K., 1992. "Issues in irrigation pricing in developing countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 20(7), pages 967-977, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shitima, Christina Mwivei, 2015. "Institutional context, household access to resources and sustainability of River Basin Resources in Tanzania: towards an analytical framework," IOB Working Papers 2015.07, Universiteit Antwerpen, Institute of Development Policy (IOB).

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