Factors Affecting Utilization Of Water Resources For Sustainable Rural Livelihoods In Tseikuru Division, Mwingi District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Natural resources are essential to economic development if they are effectively utilized

by converting into tangible goods and services within an economy. However, the

utilization of resources varies from one resource to another and in different areas. In arid

and semi-arid lands, water resources play an important role in sustaining rural livelihoods

as well as wildlife and plants. In Mwingi district and particularly in Tseikuru division,

rural communities are assumed to be highly dependent on water resources for their rural

livelihoods but its utilization is in dilemma. The district is endowed with abundant water

resources despite the persistent food crisis in the district over the years. The purpose of

this study is to investigate the factors that affect utilization of the available water

resources as a mean of improving of rural livelihoods for the rural communities in

Tseikuru division of Mwingi district in Kenya. Specifically, the study was to assess the

types of existing water resources available in Tseikuru division of Mwingi district; to

examine the contribution of water resources on sustainable rural livelihoods in Tseikuru

division of Mwingi district; to investigate the challenges faced in tapping available water

resources for sustainable rural livelihoods in Tseikuru division of Mwingi district and to

establish appropriate strategies that can be used for effective water resource utilization for

sustainable rural livelihoods in Mwingi district. This study was based on Sustainable

Livelihood Framework by Scoones in conceptualizing livelihoods and rural poverty. In

this study descriptive research design was used. The study used a target population of

3,980 households and a sample of 150 respondents was selected using simple random

sampling in the three locations of Tseisuru division of Mwingi district. The data was

collected by administering questionnaires to randomly selected community. The primary

data was collected by use of questionnaires while secondary data was collected from

documented materials and other research work done by other researchers. The data was

processed and analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages. The results of this

study revealed that there is no relationship between water resources and sustainable rural

livelihoods in Tseikuru division of Mwingi district. Arising from the study, it can be

concluded that, water resources in Tseikuru division are adequate to support sustainable

rural livelihoods and that water resources contribute very little to the improvements of the

people's livelihoods in Tseikuru division. This study also concluded that local people

face numerous challenges in attempt to exploit available water resources to enhance their

livelihoods such as poor government policies, lack of funds, inappropriate technology,

human and animal effluents, siltation and lack of ownership, while there are many

strategies that can be adopted for utilization of water resources to enhance livelihoods of

the local people despite the fact that these strategies have not been integrated into the

development planning. This study recommended developing and utilizing appropriate

strategies not only for water but also for agricultural production and other alternative

productive activities such as fish farming and capacity building of local people on the

appropriate strategies that can be used for water utilization is very vital. This study also

recommended the creation of incubation centres to enhance skill transfer for rain water

harvesting and utilization. Finally the study also recommended integrating water

utilization strategies into the development planning and strategies for Mwingi district in

order to ensure sustainable rural livelihoods.