ISSN 2756-3804
International Journal of Irrigation and Water Management ISSN 5423-5294 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Water conflicts on the Manjirenji-Mkwasine irrigation water supply canal, Masvingo province, Zimbabwe
Oniward Svubure*, Gabriel Soropa, Siyakia Mandirega, Farirai Rusere, Annah Ndeketeya and Desire Moyo
Department of Irrigation and Water Engineering, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off Harare-Chirundu Highway, P. Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.
Accepted 06 April, 2018
Abstract
The case of the 45 km long Manjirenji-Mkwasine irrigation water supply canal in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe in Masvingo Province presents risks of conflicts among the different irrigator categories which this study investigated along with the questions on conceptual model, stakeholder participation and institutional arrangements through which the operation of the canal was mediated. Eighty percent of the respondents indicated that they have either witnessed or been involved in water related conflicts ranging from illegal water diversions to non-payment for water use. While several institutional arrangements were involved in conflict resolution, more than 87% of the stakeholders indicated that these were ineffective. A conceptual model on shared irrigation water is proffered drawing from insights on meaningful stakeholder participation, institutional support, treatment of water as an economic good and also as a natural resource. This model can minimize conflicts among stakeholders for the sustainability of the shared Manjirenji-Mkwasine irrigation canal.
Key words: Manjirenji- Mkwasine irrigation water supply canal, water conflicts, conflict management, stakeholder participation, institutional arrangements, sustainable irrigation water service, Zimbabwe.