The Role of Women in Water Management and Conflict Resolution in Marsabit, Kenya Open Access

Abstract

Background: Marsabit is a semi-arid district in northern Kenya where conflicts over
scarce water sources can limit access to water. Management of sources is a potential way
to mitigate these conflicts, and the involvement of women in management is recognized
as important. Little evidence exists on how women can be effectively involved in
management decisions or how their involvement can reduce conflict and increase access
to water sources in Marsabit.
Objective: This study explores the types and nature of conflict over scarce water sources
in Marsabit, Kenya, how they impact women, and the role that women play in water
management and conflict resolution.
Methods: Key informant interviews (KIIs) (n=10) with local officials provided
background information on water conflicts and identified specific topics to cover in focus
group discussions. Focus group discussions (FGDs) (n=16) with men and women
investigated community experiences of water conflict and perceptions of women in
management. Unstructured observation at water points complemented information from
the FGDs.
Results: Themes from the FGDs indicated that conflicts at water points occur among
livestock users, among domestic users, and between livestock and domestic users.
Statutory water management committees and customary leaders such as elders are
involved in preventing and mitigating conflicts. Men and women perceived women to
have unique knowledge that would improve water management. Cultural norms made it
difficult for women to participate in decision making on the water management
committees, however women were involved in water management through initiatives that
increased access to domestic water.
Discussion: Community experiences with water conflict suggest that the overlapping role
of statutory water management committees and customary leaders leads to confusion
about the mandate of each in addressing water conflicts. It appears that women have
little decision making power on water management committees in this cultural context,
but women's initiatives to separate domestic water collection from livestock collection
points reduced the potential for water conflicts and were culturally appropriate. Evidence
from this project can be used to promote culturally appropriate ways to involve women in
water management that reduce conflicts and increase access to domestic water supplies.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................. 5
Water and Conflict ................................................................................................................ 5
Water Governance as Conflict Mitigation ................................................................................. 8
Women in Water Management and Governance ......................................................................12
Marsabit, Kenya ...................................................................................................................15
MANUSCRIPT ........................................................................................................................18
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................18
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................19
METHODS ............................................................................................................................ 22
RESULTS ...............................................................................................................................31

Types and Nature of Water-Related Conflict in Marsabit................................................................ 33
Water Related Impacts on Women and Households ........................................................................ 39
Conflict Resolution and Prevention .............................................................................................. 42
Community Opinions on the Role of Women in Water Management Committees .................................... 45
Women in Informal Water Management ........................................................................................ 50
DISCUSSION .......................................................................................................................... 52
Strengths and Limitations .......................................................................................................... 57
Conclusion and Future Research ................................................................................................. 58
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS ................................................................................................ 61
Program Recommendations .................................................................................................... 62
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................... 66
APPENDICIES ......................................................................................................................... 68
Appendix A: Institutional Review Board .................................................................................... 69
Appendix B: Interview and Discussion Guides ........................................................................... 70

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	water conflict women Kenya community water management peace building customary management Marsabit
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Freeman, Matthew, Emory University
Committee Members	Greene, Leslie, Emory University Hennink, Monique, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Emory University schools, faculty or affiliated programs International Non-governmental organization (e.g., CARE, Inc.)

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