Inequities and conflicts in arid and semi-arid zones linked to groundwater management in Kenya

project summary

Due to climate change, coping with water scarcity in Kenya is becoming increasingly difficult, and conflicts are rising.We propose an innovative, cross-disciplinary approach, integrating anthropology and geoscience, to study inequities and conflicts related to groundwater resources and their management and to explore known and new aquifers in the quest for additional water resources in the semi-arid Laikipia County, Kenya. Detailed anthropological studies will collect information and unveil inequities and disparities in water distribution and consumption, giving rise to conflicts specifically related to groundwater management. Geo-scientists will collect new high-resolution geophysical, geological, hydro-meteorological, etc. data to accurately identify, map and monitor aquifer systems. A sTEM tool (geoscanner), purchased and used by the project to explore aquifers, will remain in Kenya. Integrating anthropology and geoscience is an innovative approach to address groundwater management. New knowledge about gender, social, cultural and economic aspects of groundwater use combined with more accurate aquifer mapping in the study area will provide the scientific base to develop (a) inclusive, legitimate and culturally appropriate actions, (b) policies aimed to secure an equitable and sustainable groundwater management and (c) strategies to protect vulnerable and marginalised groups (e.g. women in rural areas), and reduce water-related inequities and conflicts in Kenya. The method can later be applied to other areas and/or countries as well.
The project results will be used to ensure proper and equitable water management and allocation, promoting cooperation and reducing conflict among communities in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. We aim to train local professionals in anthropology and geoscience in order to reduce the dependency of external experts. Strategies and guidelines on how to implement project outcomes will therefore ensure that the data collection continues beyond project life. The project will boost Denmark’s efforts in developing and strengthening research and expert capacity and in promoting sustainable groundwater management in Kenya in the context of climate change actions, also addressing safe-drinking water, sanitation services and sustainable food production, which are essential for other areas of development, such as nutrition, education, health and gender equality.