Food security is important
in Kenya today. Bwathonaro sub-catchment in Tana catchment is experiencing food
insecurity and severe water related challenges due to high population pressure
and over-reliance on irrigated agriculture for livelihood. Bwathonaro river
supports irrigated agriculture, which is a major source of livelihood for
people in the watershed. These challenges include: water pollution,
inappropriate solid waste disposal, illegal water abstraction and/or
over-abstraction of water, inefficient irrigation practices, encroachment on
and drainage of wetlands as well as inappropriate use of agrochemicals in
wetlands. The specific objectives of the study were to 1) document current status of water resource use; 2) propose a strategy for enhancing subsistence food
crop farming within the existing khat (miraa) farming system; 3) promote efficient irrigation systems that reduce
water use conflict and enhance equitable distribution, and 4) work with community to improve water quality and quantity.
The study adopted a four-pronged approach in the data collection procedures,
namely: socio-economic surveys, participatory approaches, biophysical data and
geospatial tools. Results showed that water use conflicts are persistent in the
catchment. However, one Water Resource User Association (WRUA)-BWARUA, has shown consistent progress towards
managing water resources for food security. The WRUA has undertaken a number of
activities including ensuring that water abstractors observe permit conditions,
undertaking surveillance of polluters, awareness creation on protection of
wetlands, springs and river banks among other activities in the catchment. The
impact of these activities has been positive and includes: reduction of conflict over water, reduction in
pollution, more water flowing downstream and more water availability in the
catchment for diverse uses including irrigation for agriculture, livestock and
wildlife. Such practices could be used in other sub-catchments of Kenya as
showcases to facilitate the sustainable use of scarce water resources for the
benefit of all stakeholders.