Modelling water resource management in Lake Naivasha

Abstract

Water resources management in Lake Naivasha, and its surroundings, in Kenya is an issue of very high significance because of great socio-cultural, ecological and economic values. The basin comprises a biosphere reserve, a national park with a variety of wildlife, a significant livestock activity, a very fertile land for agriculture and a growing tourism industry. The prevailing system of uncoordinated water resources management in the basin cannot sustain the ever-increasing water needs of the various expanding sectors. Therefore a strategy must be sought to integrate the various sectorial needs against the available water resources in order to attain both economic and ecological sustainability. The study attempts to develop, for the first time in the Lake Naivasha Basin, an integrated water resource management model. In order to understand the situation in the whole catchment and identify where problems exist and the weaknesses that affect the catchment and their improvement. The model shows that the main problem in the area is caused by number of identified water uses in agriculture sector, which is the driving force in the area. According to the study, water is mis-used by over-irrigation in fodder, grass and vegetable farming, although flower farms, a high income source for the area, are accused of causing the problem. Finally, over irrigation is a strong constraint to integrated water resource management. The main problem is not the shortage of water but the lack of the management. It was recommended that a basin wide legally mandated body (involving all levels) be established to oversee water use. Other strategies include capacity building of stakeholders on water, natural resources management policies, water rights and enforcement of laws.