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WWF case study: Water for life: Lessons for climate change adaptation from better management of rivers for people and nature (The Ruaha Basin)
Summary:
Tanzania’s Great Ruaha River is a major tributary of the Rufiji River, and is nearly 600 km long.Livelihood strategies have diversified from agriculture, brewing and charcoal production into activities requiring less water, notably retailing, manufacturing clothing, and bee-keeping.The conservation of riparian zones and restoration of springs and river flows is of benefit to biodiversity.
Adaptation Experience:
Results and Learning:
The inexpensive, grass roots adaptation measures applied in the Great Ruaha demonstrate how incremental action to restore ecosystem functions and better manage natural resources can increase resilience to water scarcity. It highlights the importance of strengthening the capacities of local people and organisations to improve governance, diversify the local economy and institute adaptive management practices. This case also emphasises the need for governments to support local organisations with appropriate mandates and financial independence to undertake ongoing adaptive management.
Sustainability:
The sustainability of these adaptations, such as enforcement of water rules, depends on ownership and implementation by the local community, which is likely given the strengthened local institutions and livelihood benefits derived thus far. Funding has so far come from WWF and the EU. There are US$951 million in national and donor funds held by the Tanzanian Government for use to 2011 to support this type of water sector development nationally. Thegovernment’s intention to foster this type of river basin management through a new water law, and allocation of central funds and fees from water users to local management institutions, is yet to be realized. Further, the Tanzanian Government has a policy of expanding irrigation, which if implemented poorly in the Great Ruaha River basin, may impact further on river flows.
Replication:
This approach to adaptive catchment management could be scaled up given its modest cost and the national and donor funds available in Tanzania and other countries.
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