Water resources policy and administrative management

Situated on the Kenya Tanzania boundary in Taita Taveta district, the 30 sq km Lake Jipe is dying. The lake has lost about 50 % of its water mass within the last 10 years, due to siltation caused by destruction of the water catchment are and farmlands, proliferation of the typha weed, and diversion of fresh water recharge from river Lumi. The lake has increasing salinity, decreasing depth and biodiversity. Hippos and crocodiles have migrated upstream due to salinity. The lake is of global importance and the only place in the world where the fish Oreochromis jipe is found, and which is on the verge of extinction. In a joint effort to salvage the situation, the UNDP GEFSGP and the Biodiversity Conservation Programme (BCP) of the European Union have committed US$416,000 (US$250,000 from the GEFSGP and US$166,000 from the BCP) for the rehabilitation of the lake. The two funds and other partners are working together thorough the local communities for: 1. Site wide baseline data collection and an EIA will preceed implementation of rehabilitation projects. 2. De-siltation and restoration of the original course of river Lumi. 3. Removal of illegal water abstraction canals. 4. Rehabilitation of an existing water project to provide drinking water to the community. 5. Introducing agro-forestry. 6. Fish farming - raising endemic and other fish species in ponds. 7. Capacity building for sustainable fishing including right size of nets. 8. Protection of Njoro Springs 9. Bringing the communities from both sides of the boundary to hold consultations to reduce conflict. The aim of this part of the initiative is to avoid further siltation of the lake by enhancing the vegetation cover in the Lake Jipe Region through establishment of tree nurseries, tree planting and the reinforcement of river Lumi banks through the creation of dykes. The main activities are: (1) Training the local communities in agroforestry (2) undertake community mobilization (3) purchase equipment and materials (4)construct dykes and stabilize river Lumi bank on Jipe location (5)undertake tree seedlings purchase and planting in woodlots and individual farms (6) prepare quarterly technical and financial reports

Kenya