Enhancing the Involvement of Women in Water Resource Management in Laikipia, Kenya

Women are culturally the main water resource users in Kenya and are historically underrepresented in decision-making processes. This research involves case studies from Ngusishi, Pesi and Burguret Water Resource User... [ view full abstract ]

Women are culturally the main water resource users in Kenya and are historically underrepresented in decision-making processes. This research involves case studies from Ngusishi, Pesi and Burguret Water Resource User Associations (WRUAs) in central Kenya.

A systematic sampling design was utilized in which female participants were selected from each of the three WRUAs. A small sample of men were interviewed and their responses were dropped from the final analysis. Overall 153 women were interviewed including 60 participants from each WRUA. Twenty women were selected randomly from the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the same river to insure multiple perspectives. A 20-item questionnaire was verbally administered over a 15-minute time period often with the assistance of translators. Participants were asked to describe their daily water use, water collection methods, and time allocation for water collection as well as general water and environmental observations. Additional open-ended questions addressed awareness about WRUAs and the role and priorities for WRUAs in water management. Respondents willingness to participate in management decisions and leadership interests and her water priorities were also addressed. Subsequent interviews were conducted with Water Resource Management Authority government officials, individuals from a local NGO and private water engineering firms.

Post collection the data was compiled, transcribed, coded and categorized. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. The data was primarily presented through descriptive statistics including demographics, women's perceived challenges to participating in WRUAs and leadership positions, women's WRUA priorities and opportunities for future involvement.

Currently 57% of women in this study are water group members, yet 94% expressed interest in participating in water decisions. Current barriers impacting the voice and participation of women in water management were identified and possible opportunities to address these barriers recommended. This research provides insight into the potential contributions of women to the success of community-based natural resource management efforts in Laikipia, Kenya.