Water User’s Conflicts in Irrigation Schemes in Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine types of conflicts and factors contributing to their occurrence in water allocation processes. The study was conducted in Mkindo Irrigation Scheme and employed the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Approach, whereby the dominant approach was qualitative approach, complemented by quantitative techniques. The data collection methods were in-depth interviews, documentary reviews and focus group discussions for the qualitative data and questionnaire for quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and explanation building techniques. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal existence of inter-micro micro and intra micro-micro water users’ conflicts in the selected irrigation scheme. The study also identified the factors determining the water user’s conflicts in the selected scheme. To enhance water allocation processes in the selected irrigation schemes, the study recommends strengthening of coordination units and multi-stakeholders platforms.