Assessment of water resources users’ associations capacity on riparian zone management in Kenya: a case of Kuywa Wrua, Bungoma County

Abstract

Riparian zones play a vital role in maintaining water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting climate adaptation when effectively managed. This study aimed at assessing the Water Resources Users Associations (WRUAs) capacity on riparian zone management in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the influence of WRUAs skills on riparian zone management, to establish the extent to which WRUAs management processes influences riparian zone management, and to examine how WRUAs level of collaboration with other stakeholders influences riparian zone management. The study utilized The Theory of Change (ToC) and stakeholders’ theory as guiding frameworks, recognizing the importance of understanding the causal pathway and considering the interest of stakeholders in project success. The target population for the proposed study was 360 and the sample size was 186 which was determined using Krejcie and Morgan table. The respondents were proportionately selected using stratified random simple sampling method. Key informants were purposively selected from relevant departments. Research instruments used were questionnaires and key informants’ guides. The validity and reliability of the instruments were assessed through pre-test and Cronbach’s alpha analysis whereby, the variables in the study generated a Cronbach’s alpha of 0. 772.The study used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data whereby the descriptive analysis included frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while chi-square test was used to test the hypothesis. The results were also triangulated using correlation and regression models. The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between skills and riparian zone management on account of the Pearson Chi-square statistic (0.002 p=0.05) and (0.258> p=0.05) respectively. The findings emphasize the importance of skills development, the complexities of management processes, and the nuanced nature of collaborations in riparian zone management. Based on the study’s conclusions, policy and practice recommendations include enhancement of skills, adoption of holistic management, fostering effective collaborations and investing in research and monitoring. Further research can focus on conducting longitudinal studies to investigate the long-term impacts. Additionally, utilizing multivariate analysis, system modelling and comparative studies across different contexts can provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex interactions and trade-offs.