Assessment of water resources utilization and management in Kayunga district.

Abstract

This study focused on the Assessment of Water Resources Utilization and Management at household level in Kayunga District. The study was guided by three study objectives which included i) assessing the local water management practices; ii) identifying the drivers for water resources scarcity and poor management of water resources and iii) identifying coping mechanisms to increase water resources management in Kayunga District. The study adopted cross sectional research design while considering both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The study had a sample size of 49 respondents; though, 46 respondents managed to respond back. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interview guide. From the study findings, 47.8% revealed that most community members used unprotected streams/wells/springs and nearby lake as their main source of water. The most common local water management employed included use of tanks to harvest rainwater, storing water in ferrocement tanks and water pricing as a way of selling water to recover the costs involved in the extending to communities. The study identified the most drivers for water resources scarcity and poor water resources management in Kayunga District as lack of water storage facilities; high poverty levels; lack of information; low levels of formal education; limited government interventions; high population growth; negative effects of climate change; poor land use practices and poor industrial waste disposal. Accordingly, various coping mechanisms that may be adopted to eliminate such drivers were highlighted. These mostly included fencing of water points, training community members; solid waste recycling; encouraging water recycling; disciplining and penalizing culprits who abuse water resources; sensitizing the public about the benefits of water resources management; formulating water committees at village level, and promoting afforestation.