Conflict Management in Rural Water Sources
Water resources depletion and rising demand on limited water supplies result in putting at risk
some of the water related investments, thereby creating conflicts. Conflicts however, occur in
the presence of local institutions such as village councils, ward development committees and
district councils which are empowered by legislation and encouraged by policies to undertake
resolution and management in their areas of jurisdiction. But still water use conflicts continue
leading to open fighting, property damages and in some places have led to blood shedding.
However, many attempts have not been successful as water use conflicts continue to explode
and escalate in many parts of the country. This situation calls for a need of finding out why
conflict management practices are failing in some areas.
