Why Kagera River Basin Selected as My Research Area

Context 1: River threats and National agreement to protect the Kagera River reserve flows
The Kagera River Basin is currently facing threats which are critical to maintaining all the other ecosystem
services upon which people and wildlife in the basin rely (Reported by Theobald Mashinga, National Project
Manager KAGERA TAMP, Kagera Transboundary Agroecosystem Management Project, In Kigali
Rwanda, 20thApril 2011). Deforestation, over-grazing by livestock, unregulated extraction of water and
untreated inputs of sewage and solid waste all threaten the quantity and quality of water provided by the Kagera
River. Currently, the Kagera River is not in good condition, which makes this an opportune time to put in place
measures to ensure its normal state into the future.
The Kagera River, a trans-boundary river shared between Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania, has been
selected as my research area due to the tremendous Regional Policy context East African Community (EAC)
strong framework for extensive political cooperation and integration social, biological and economic value since
the river has for all four countries(See an Agreement for the establishment of the Organization for the
Management and Development of the Kagera River Basin. Concluded at Ru- sumo, Rwanda, on 24
August 1977 by Rwanda, Burundi And United Republic of Tanzania).

Context 2: Regional Policies and Laws support protection of reserve flows

Tanzania has passed legislation aimed towards ensuring access to safe water resources for all people, as well as
sustaining the valuable ecosystems upon which these people depend. The principle of environmental flows is
evident in the wording of these laws.
Tanzania National Water Policy (2002)
Recognizes the importance of environmental flows and prioritizes water use such that Water for basic human
needs in adequate quantity and acceptable quality will receive highest priority. Water for the environment to
protect the eco-systems that underpin our water resources, now and in the future will attain second priority and
will be reserved (Section 4.1.2).
Tanzania Water Resources Management Act (2009)
Defines the reserve as the quantity and quality of water required for (a) satisfying basic human needs... and (b)
protecting aquatic ecosystems and states that the Minister shall...determine the reserve for the whole or part of
each water resource which has been classified...and the Minister, the National Water Board, Basin Water Boards
and all public bodies shall, when exercising any statutory power or performing any statutory duty, take into
account and give effect to the requirements of the reserve (Section 37, 1-3).