Community and institutional perspectives on water management and environmental changes in the Taita Hills, Kenya

Abstract

Water resources are declining in the Taita Hills, but what do local residents say about it? This report presents the outcome of the field research that was conducted in Kenya in 2013-2014, as part of the TAITAWATER project funded by the Academy of Finland. The study aims to understand the current status of water-related ecosystem services from the perspective of local people, to analyse the driving forces behind the declining water resources and to map the roles of different stakeholders and institutions involved in the management of water resources and related ecosystems. The study employs qualitative and participatory research methods, such as semistructured interviews, participatory mapping and timelines, targeting local water users, community groups and management institutions. The philosophy of this work is to enact inclusive science as a starting point for a more participatory dialogue between all stakeholders involved in natural resource management in the Taita Hills.