The Dynamics of Community Participation in Irrigation Management for Improved Rice Production in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Community participation in rice irrigation management has the potential to boost rice production as acknowledged in both developed and developing countries. In Ahero and West Kano irrigation schemes in Kisumu County, Kenya, the transfer of irrigation management to the local fanners was implemented as from 2004. Empirical studies show low and ineffective participation of local farmers in rice management which has contributed to minimal improvement in rice production in the two schemes. However, these studies have not addressed the rationale for the minimal participation of the fanners in rice management. Consequently, this study sought to examine the dynamics of community participation in rice irrigation management for improved rice production ill the two schemes. The specific objectives of this study were to: investigate the influence of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers on their extent of participation in rice irrigation management, examine the nature of participatory relationships among the farrners and with National Irrigation Board in irrigation management, and assess the constraints the fanners encounter while participating in rice management. The study was guided by Participation Theory posited by Sherry Arnstein (1969) which stresses that for a community to effectively participate ill any management, they must have the power to make decisions. It also theorizes that seizing this control is the true aim of community engagement. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study area covered Ahero and West Kano irrigation Schemes with a population of 1,188 registered fanners. A sample size of 352 fanners was obtained using a table for determming sample size for finite population developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). Respondents were selected using systematic random sampling while key informants and focus group members were selected through purposive sampling. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 352 fanners, 10 key-informant interviews, 4 focus group discussions consisting of 10 discussants and non-participant observations. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics namely frequencies, percentages and means and presented in tables while for categorical variables, either cramer's value or regression analysis were used. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented ill form of narratives and verbatim reports. Majority of the socioeconomic characteristics of the fanners had negative influence on their extent of participation in rice management activities. There were conflicting participatory relationships among the fanners and between Water Users Association and National Irrigation Board in rice management which hindered fanners from actively participating in rice irrigation management. Some of the constraints observed such as lack of appropriate institutional 'framework, unpreparedness, unempowerement and disproportionate gender representation in management were found to limit active participation of the fanners in irrigation management. The study therefore recommends empowerment of fanners especially women and youth through training. Further,'the position of National Irrigation Board and Water Users' Association with clearly defined roles and responsibilities in rice management should also be incorporated into policy discussions. There is also need for a proportionate representation of all gender and youth in the rice irrigation management activities to ensure effective participation of all fanners in management to improve rice production in Ahero and West Kano irrigation schemes