A framework for integrated management of transboundary basins: the case of sio sub-catchment in East Africa
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Date
2007
Authors
Obando, Joy Apiyo
Makalle, Albinus
Bamutaze, Yazidhi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The Sio sub-catchment is transboundary, originating in Kenya and flowing into Berkeley Bay of
the Lake Victoria basin. It forms an important sub-catchment of the Nile basin and a significant
base for the livelihood of small scale farmers engaged in mixed farming, depending on
agriculture and livestock keeping as well as a large population depending on fishing. Indeed,
high population densities exceeding 300 persons per square kilometre and cattle densities of 38
have been noted within basin, and continue to increase pressing heavy demand on the watershed
resources – water, soil, vegetation. Thus the basin continues to be deforested as demand for
human settlements, agriculture and grazing land increases leading to land degradation that is
characterised by fertility losses, erosion by water and increases in sediment load as it drains into
Lake Victoria. The livelihood of the population has been adversely affected and has in turn lead
to unsustainable natural resources utilization.
Integrated watershed management provides an appropriate analytical and management unit for
sustainable utilization of resources. This is particularly important as a means of coping with the
ever increasing population and can contribute to the Millennium Development goals particularly
of reduction of poverty and sustainable environmental management. A framework for integrated
management of the Sio basin will enable protection of the resources in the basin, whilst allowing
sustainable use of the same resources for this increasing population. This paper provides a
framework for management of the Sio transboundary basin within an integrated approach
drawing on both local and scientific knowledge for sustainable resources management.
Description
Research article
Keywords
Integrated watershed management, Transboundary, Watershed resources, Sio sub-catchment, Lake Victoria, Kenya, Uganda
Citation
LARS 2007, Catchment and Lake Research