Performance of Water Institutions in enhancing Water User Rights among Smallholder Farmers in Kiru Valley Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose: This paper intended to investigate the performance of water institutions using the primary roles of Water Resource Management.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed a qualitative research approach through multiple sampling techniques and stages. The sample involved 70 respondents from the basin villages registered in WUA model. Data were checked by content analysis and descriptive statistical procedures.
 Findings: The findings revealed that the primary roles of Water Resource Management (WRM) Act No. 11 of 2009 and institutional targets of formal and informal institutions are relevant and reflective towards enhancing water user rights in the valley. The WUA model seemed to have a better performance on water management in Kiru Valley, Tanzania.
 Research Limitation: The limitation of this study was the overlapped policies and programs which restricted the definition of the institutional roles of the water institutions in the valley
 Practical Implication: This information is useful for key actors in water management in formulating effective institutions to engage the smallholder farmers in water use on a large scale by targeting serious water institutions which attract them.
 Social Implication: Policy makers should institute the WRM Act No. 11 of 2009 relating to WUA model to improve water user rights.
 Originality/Value: This is a relevant study that seeks to develop an effective institutional performance framework to monitor the water use procedures of the stakeholders.