Effectiveness of Community Forest Association and Water Resource Users' Associations in Discharging Their Statutory Functions: A Case of Kilungu Catchment, Kenya - JBES - INNSPUB
Effectiveness of Community Forest Association and Water Resource Users' Associations in Discharging Their Statutory Functions: A Case of Kilungu Catchment, Kenya - JBES - INNSPUB
Effectiveness of Community Forest Association and Water Resource Users' Associations in Discharging Their Statutory Functions: A Case of Kilungu Catchment, Kenya - JBES - INNSPUB
Effectiveness of community forest association and water resource users’ associations in discharging Bangla Journal
their statutory functions: A case of Kilungu catchment, Kenya
Bangla Journal
By: Patricia Mumbi Wambua, Nzioka John Muthama, Thuita Thenya
Key Words: Community forest association (CFA), Water resource users associations (WRUA), Catchment
management CALL FOR PAPERS
J. Bio. Env. Sci. 18(5), 43-56, May 2021.
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Abstract
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Catchment degradation has continued to occur globally albeit the presence of Community Forest Associations
(CFA) and Water Resource Users Associations (WRUA). Similarly, Kilungu catchment area in Kenya is under the
Publications Category
management of the Kenze (CFA) and upper Kaiti (WRUA). This paper examined Kenze CFA and Upper Kaiti
0
Book Publication WRUA activities by exploring their effectiveness in discharging their statutory functions. This was achieved by
carrying out, an exploratory descriptive survey. Data was collected through questionnaires, focus group
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discussions, 10 key informants’ interviews and direct observations. Descriptive analysis was used. Information INNSPUB on FB
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was presented in fig.s, tables and percentages. Results showed that upper Kaiti WRUA as more effective in
catchment management at moderately (31%) and highly at (37%) as compared to CFA moderately (29%) and
highly (5%). In terms of discharging of their statutory functions, Upper Kaiti WRUA was better at a rating of
27% (good) and 23% (very good) as compared to Kenze CFA which was rated at 3% (good) and 6% (very Email Update
good). This study results implied that Upper Kaiti WRUA was more effective in all aspects of ensuring catchment
management as opposed to CFA. In conclusion, a strategy of seizing the opportunities presented by the CFA of
being empowered to perform all its activities as required by law with emphasis on the timely preparation and
Submit
implementation of management plans and WRUA’s continuous improvement should be prioritized. The study
recommends new initiatives that improve on the CFA and WRUA activities in order to effectively discharge on
their statutory functions.
Reference
Citation Sample
Copyright
Copyright © 2021
By Authors and International Network for
Natural Sciences (INNSPUB)
https://innspub.net
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Key words: Community forest association (CFA), Water resource users associations (WRUA), Catchment
management
Abstract
Catchment degradation has continued to occur globally albeit the presence of Community Forest
Associations (CFA) and Water Resource Users Associations (WRUA). Similarly, Kilungu catchment area in
Kenya is under the management of the Kenze (CFA) and upper Kaiti (WRUA). This paper examined Kenze
CFA and Upper Kaiti WRUA activities by exploring their effectiveness in discharging their statutory
functions. This was achieved by carrying out, an exploratory descriptive survey. Data was collected through
questionnaires, focus group discussions, 10 key informants’ interviews and direct observations. Descriptive
analysis was used. Information was presented in fig.s, tables and percentages. Results showed that upper
Kaiti WRUA as more effective in catchment management at moderately (31%) and highly at (37%) as
compared to CFA moderately (29%) and highly (5%). In terms of discharging of their statutory functions,
Upper Kaiti WRUA was better at a rating of 27% (good) and 23% (very good) as compared to Kenze CFA
which was rated at 3% (good) and 6% (very good). This study results implied that Upper Kaiti WRUA was
more effective in all aspects of ensuring catchment management as opposed to CFA. In conclusion, a
strategy of seizing the opportunities presented by the CFA of being empowered to perform all its activities
as required by law with emphasis on the timely preparation and implementation of management plans and
WRUA’s continuous improvement should be prioritized. The study recommends new initiatives that
improve on the CFA and WRUA activities in order to effectively discharge on their statutory functions.
*Corresponding Author: Patricia Mumbi Wambua [email protected]
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J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2021
forest, registered private forest) to be managed in traditionally collective communal water management
accordance with an approved Forest Management have span for almost 1,000 years as witnessed in
Plan (FMP). The participatory forest management Spain. More than 100 years ago, the Spain 1879
(PFM) approach further provides for local Water Act facilitated the voluntary creation of
communities’ engagement in the control and use of irrigation communities (Del Saz, 1990). In 1985
the forests to which they live adjacent to. Section 46 through the same Water Act, new aspects appeared
(4) and (5) of the Act require that applications by CFA and Irrigation Communities were updated to include
to the Director KFS for permission to participate in not just irrigation but other water users like public
conservation and management of forests be water supply and industries, thus becoming Water
accompanied by draft management plans. Formation Resource User Associations (WRUAs). Further
of the Community forest participation achieved literature reveals that in Kenya the Water Resources
primarily through CFAs, and integrated management Users Association was established by the Water Act
of forests is the central principle motivating the new (2002). In the act Water Resources Management
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Catchment Management Strategy for the collaborated to form a WRUA in order to manage the
management, use, development, conservation, river resources and hence Upper Kaiti WRUA
protection and control of water resources within each formerly known as Kinzuma was formed in mid-2010.
catchment area (Water Act 2002 section 5, subsection 1). Upper Kaiti WRUA and Kenze Community Forest
The catchment management strategy is to provide Associations (CFA) are the only institution currently
mechanism and facilities for enabling the public and in place managing the entire Kilungu catchment and
communities to participate in managing the water its various tributaries of Kaiti river, Kikoko, Kisusyo,
resources within each catchment area and allows for Isuuni river, Mitungu, Tiva, Mwanyani, Katulye,
conflict resolutions and co-operative management of Kyau, Kaiti, Kilumwa, Kwanthi in Kilungu catchment
water resources in catchment areas (Water Act 2002 (GOK, 2018). Kilungu catchment is of major
section 5, subsection 3[e]. (The WRUA formation and economic and ecological importance in the area due
operation is as per section 10, sub sections 1 to 14 of to its value as a watershed and catchments area for
the Water Resources Management rules 2007 and for the above rivers as well as it being a source of various
the WRUAS activities to be objectively realized, there springs namely Kikoko, Ilima, Kisusyo which is the
is an urgent need to espouse a holistic approach, source of Kisusyo river and tributaries and wet lands
(Cheptoo, 2006; Mitchell, 2005). In relation to the providing water to the community and supporting
various livelihood activities. Literature reveals that
above background, Kenya adopted a basin-based
the catchments population of more than 23,956
approach to water resources management, which is a
people made up of 4,372 households is spread out
holistic methodology that provides for regulated use
within the seven blocks of Kilungu, Kitumbuuni,
of the water resources for the benefit of communities.
Ndaatai, Kiongwani, Kenze, Nduluni and Kiio and its
an epicenter of ecological support system for their
The enactment of the water act (2002), as well as the
livelihoods. Even with the presence of these
Kenya constitution (2010) and the recent water act
institutions the catchment has experienced rampant
(2016) led to the concerted acknowledgement of the
degradation which is undermining the limited
importance of community participation in the
sustainable water and forest resources base in the
management of water resources, resulting in the
country and these calls for vibrant CFA and WRUA
formation of WRUAs within the six drainage areas of
activities in order to reverse the trend (Makueni
Kenya namely: Lake Victoria North basin, Lake
CIDP, 2018-2022).
Victoria south basin, Rift valley basin, Athi river
basin, Tana river basin and the Ewaso N'giro river
According to the county government of Makueni the
basin. According to the ministry of environment and
activities of all the CFA and WRUA involved in the
natural resources the existence of Community Forest
various catchment management activities and their
Associations (CFAs) and Water Resource Users
contributions in the county is not known and the
Association (WRUAs) within different catchments
inadequacy of actionable data and information makes
distributed across the country ensures the effective
it increasingly difficult to make informed and
management of the catchments (MENR 2007).
transparent decisions on utilization of the catchment in
a sustainable way (Makueni CIDP, 2018-2022). The
Makueni county falls within the Athi river basin
aim of this study was generally to examine CFA and
catchment, it has nine (9) registered CFAs; namely:
WRUA activities and their effectiveness in discharging
Makuli, Nzaui, Kamukima, Nthangu, Kitondo,
their statutory functions in catchment management.
Mbooni community forest association (MBOCOFOA),
Kichapa, Makongo and Kenze respectively, and sixty- Materials and methods
eight (68) registered WRUAs involved in various Context, theory and conceptual framework
catchments management within the county. Due to In order to examine Kenze CFA and Upper Kaiti
erratic rainfalls the communities along the Kaiti River WRUA activities and their effectiveness in
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J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2021
leadership and their influences on the outcomes of and WRUA activities and their contributions could be
examined. Third, the area is surrounded by human
the institutions contributions (Scott, 2004). The
communities spread out within the seven blocks of
study further examined the coercive pressure
Kilungu, Kitumbuuni, Ndaatai, Kiongwani, Kenze,
especially on the KFS and WRA mandates in relation
Nduluni and Kiio and it an epicenter of ecological
to CFA and WRUA specially to bring out the idea of
support system for more than 23,956 people made up
how the CFA and WRUA institutions operate (Maggio
of 4,372 households who directly or indirectly interact
& Powell, 1991). on the catchment for their livelihoods (Makueni
This was informed by the fact that the question of County Integrated Development Plan, 2018-2022).
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J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2021
Cochran’s formula by Horse (2018) and Rucker previous studies done by Dolisca et al. (2006) who
(2017) as follows, based on a total household found that older people were mainly interested in
population of 4372 = Cochran’s sample size collecting forest resources and managing water
recommendation; = value (i.e. 1.96 for 95% resources while young people were willing to
confidence level); =proportion of the population with contribute to the process of decision-making in
direct attribute to the sub catchment governance; = forestry and water programmes.
desired level of precision-confidence interval ±7% =
(±0.07)) and population proportion= 50%. The
household questionnaires were shared equally to
collect data on Community Forest Associations
(CFAs) and Water Resource Users Associations
(WRUAs) activities and their effectiveness in
discharging their statutory functions.
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Education level of the respondents observations that peoples’ participation was influenced
The study established that Kenze CFA respondents by educational level, in that the higher the literacy level
had higher level of education with secondary level the higher the level of catchment management.
(36%), College (28%) and University (3%) as
compared to upper Kaiti WRUAs (25%) secondary
level, college certificate (11%) and none with a Gender inclusivity and equity level of the respondents
University degree as shown in fig. 4 below. This could Analysis on whether WRUA and CFA organizations
mean that most people with higher levels of education observed gender balance revealed that the WRUA
are not in the rural areas but in urban centers or structure accommodated gender balance better
elsewhere seeking employment or even working there compared to the CFA in their activities. This was
as a livelihood means and these has filtered the evidenced by 93% of WRUA responses being yes
literacy levels within the study area. Further compared to 15% for CFA (Fig. 5). Further the FGD and
information generated from FGD and KII further KII confirmed that both genders in WRUA had equal
suggested all issues which needed high literacy level opportunities of participating in all the WRUA
of interrogation were attended and these was activities. The respondents mentioned some of the
supported by the current study’s observation that activities they participated in without bias as attending
education did not determine community participation all meetings, contributing in decisions and matters
in catchment management and that other factors not which affect them as equal members of the WRUA and
levels of education were found to be contributing to being appointed in leadership positions. In addition,
the continuous catchment degradation. the respondents mentioned being appointed members
of the subcommittee as well as chairperson are done
These results agreed with previous studies done by without any biasness to either gender as opposed to
Campos et al. (2012), Dolisca et al. (2007) and Sodhi CFAs. These results further imply a gender imbalance
et al. (2010a) who showed that formal education in the CFA involvement in CFA activities.
influenced perceptions on environmental, catchment
conservation and ecosystem services provisioning.
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The findings imply that the effective implementation WRUA and Kenze CFA discharging of their statutory
of the activities of the CFA and WRUA are paramount functions and delivery of desired outputs in Kilungu
for the conservation of the catchment. Further, there Catchment
is an urgent need to improve on the activities of the WRUA and Kenze CFA discharging of their statutory
CFA especially on participatory catchment functions
management. This is in consistent with Watson In terms of discharging of their statutory functions,
(2007) who concluded that CFA activities should Upper Kaiti WRUA was found to be discharging its
include community participation, cooperatively statutory functions better than the Kenze CFA. Out of
sharing, managing and conserving a common all the WRUA respondents, 27% chose level (good)
catchment resource. Further the involvement of the and 23% (very good) as compared to Kenze CFA
Community Forest Associations leads to which was rated at only 3% (good) and 6% (very
improvements of forest conservation, rural good) as indicated in fig. 8 below.
livelihoods and forest governance (Lund & Treue,
2008 and Tacconi, 2007). Moreover, several case The results were complimented by FGD and KII
studies have shown that decentralized catchment findings which had enumerated the statutory WRUA
management results in effective control of catchment functions as involving the management of Kaiti river
utilization (Lund & Treue, 2008), enhances and other water resources within the catchment,
ecosystem functions and quality (Carter & Gronow, preparation of sub catchment management plans
2005), enhances resource status (Sauer & Abdallah, (SCAMP), management of water resources within the
2007) and sustainable management of forest catchment properly; and increase the availability of
resources by the local people (Ribot, 2004). water resources. In addition, the discussions revealed
that the WRUA as also involved in increase of the usage
Further, these findings are consistent with those of of the water for economic and social improvements;
Coulibaly-Lingani et al. (2011) who noted that a ensuring the upstream and downstream communities
majority of those CFA implementing their activities as have access to water, protection of springs from
required by law in Burkina Faso were those receiving degradation occasioned by animals and humans
direct benefits from participating in such programs. contamination. The WRUA was also involved in,
Dolisca et al. (2006) similarly observed that advising on siting of boreholes, controlling sand
respondents who had benefited from Forêt des Pins harvesting from Kaiti river and its tributaries within
Reserve in Ahiti were more positively inclined the catchment, conflict resolution’s, monitoring water
towards social, environmental, and economic use, monitoring activities carried out by members and
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J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2021
Further WRUA was said to be involved in sensitizing engagements including the formation of Kaiti River
the community against activities which may lead to Water Resource Users Associations Network
degradation of the catchment including pollution of (KWRUAN) a new entity to enhance the WRUA
the springs in the catchment and community delivery of its functions. On the other hand, Kenze
empowerment on matters of catchment management. CFA had poor rating on its output delivery due to the
On the other hand, Kenze CFA statutory functions fact that the CFA did not have a participatory forest
were: Actively prepare and implement participatory management plan in place nor a work plan.
forest management plan in collaboration with the
KFS office, establishment of tree nurseries, planting Further, the executive committee which was elected
of trees, conflict resolution’s, control of forest fires to oversee the management of the association was un
and sensitizing communities on conservation. Other accountable for ensuring the delivering of planned
statutory activities were, protection of the forested activities and the CFA executive leadership had not
hills, monitoring the forest condition, enjoy user held an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for over a
rights and provide any useful information to KFS for period of five years. Additionally, the officials of the
improvement of the catchment. CFA had overstayed without replacement for the
same period and they did not have a resource
mobiliser to source for funds from other partners
such as the private sector, business community and
even from the local and international civil societies.
Lack of formal agreement between Kenze CFA and
KFS including other development partners also
affected the delivery of desired output.
in the catchment management and had delivered expected delivery of desired outputs in catchment
activities which may lead to degradation of the Use of fines and penalties
catchment including pollution of the springs in the On law enforcement and compliance, out of all the
catchment and community empowerment on matters WRUA respondents, 41% (agreed) while 38%
of catchment management. Further the WRUA was (moderately agreed) that, the use of more fines and
found to be holding monthly meetings and penalties are important tools of enforcing compliance
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to laws aimed at ensuring catchment management as The treasurer is responsible to the committee and to
opposed to only 21% (moderately agree) and 20% the member’s proper books of account and ensures
(agree) for CFA as shown in fig. 10. These results that all moneys received and paid by the society are
imply that according to CFA respondents, fines and recorded and available for inspection. Discussions
penalties serve little or no purpose in deterring non- further revealed that even though the officials existed
compliance with the by-laws differing with previous in both the institutions, they didn’t always comply
studies done by Thenya (2007) who asserted that for with rules concerning elections as laid out in their
the activities of CFA and by large the WRUA to be governing documents. Some Executive Committees
significant, then fines and penalties should be applied had not called for elections and the leadership had
to defaulters of all the set rules and regulations. overstayed in office and majority of the officials
absented themselves from meetings and failed on
100%
38 37 their roles and responsibilities, sometimes without
Percentage response
80%
60% 53
10 45
40% apologies. The implication of these findings is that
20%
0% there is an urgent need of all the officials to attend to
Strongly Moderately Strongly Agree
all their roles and responsibilities without fail in order
Disagree Agree
Level of fines and penalties effectiveness in for the institutions to deliver on their mandates.
ensuring delivery of desired outputs
90 Upper Kaiti WRUA
80
Percentage response
WRUA CFA
70
60
Fig. 10. more fines and penalties should be put in 50
40
place to ensure compliance with the CFAs and 30
WRUAs by laws. 20
10
0
Responsibilities of the WRUA and CFA institutional
officials and community participation
Majority of the WRUA respondents, moderately Levels of officials responsibility
agreed (43%), agree (38%) while CFA positively
Fig. 11. Responsibilities of the WRUA and CFA officials.
confirmed, moderately agree (32%), agree (8%) that
in order for the Upper Kaiti WRUA and Kenze CFA to
discharge their statutory functions and be WRUA and CFA community participation
effectiveness in delivery of desired outputs, then the According to the results, the WRUA respondents were
WRUA and CFA institutional officials should attend more involved in community participation recording
to their roles and responsibilities effectively (fig. 11). 26% (moderately high) and 50% (high agree) as
These results were collaborated by the FGD and KII compared to 23% (high) and 25% (moderately high)
discussions which revealed that the key roles of the for CFA as shown in fig. 12 below.
CFAs officials (Chairperson, Vice chair, Secretary and
Upper Kaiti WRUA
Treasurer) were resource mobilization, book keeping,
50%
26%
26%
25%
23%
23%
22%
52 | Wambua et al.
J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2021
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53 | Wambua et al.
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