Community based organisations and Natural (water) resources management: a Case study of tharaka women water users Association (TWWUA) A project paper submitted in partial Fulfillment for the master of arts in Sociolgy (rural sociology and community Development) at the university of Nairobi

Abstract

Natural resources mobilisation and management at times has not been an easy task for communities and especially so for those living in arid and semi arid areas of Kenya. In other cases, like in the case of Tharaka and Kanthungu locations in Mwingi districts, communities and at times with collective responsibility with other stakeholders have organised themselves and are managing their natural resourceswater. In Tharaka and Kanthungu locations, a community based organisation (CBO), Women Water User's Association (TWWUA) is managing a community water project. The study is an investigation of a local water management institution (TWWUA), it characteristics and its impacts on collectively owned water resource management in Tharaka and Kanthungu locations of Mwingi district. The mam objective of this study was to investigate the local water management institutions (TWWUA), it characteristics and its impacts on collectively owned water resource management in Tharaka and Kanthungu location of Mwingi district. This study sheds light on how water management institutions shape the individual's action and expectations and their use of water resources and its implication on efficiency and sustainability of the commons. The literature review was done by review of secondary data generally on local organised institutions and on TWWUA. This information was found in different books and journals in various libraries and at the TWWUA offices. The literature review gives understanding on natural resources management by local institutions, VI collective action by members on the management and constrains that face these institutions and the members in the management of natural resources. Data for the study was collected from TWWUA officials, members and a few key informants in the community. The information from TWWUA officials and members formed the basis on the characteristics, organisation and effectiveness of the group. More data was collected from key informants for control of the study. This data was collected by use of questionnaires. The data which was both qualitative and qualitative was analysed using SPSS. Key findings and conclusions from the study were that, there was strong connection between the management of the self-help group and its water related activities to the empowerment of women in the Tharaka community. One of the major benefits highlighted by both members and nonmembers as accruing from the project was the empowerment of women in project management and general leadership with a woman aspiring for council for the first time in the aftermath of the formation of the organization.