Community-based water development projects, their effectiveness, and options for improvement: lessons from Laikipia, Kenya

Abstract

Using the case of 30 community-based water development projects in the Laikipia County, Kenya, this paper analyses the factors for their effectiveness and options for improvement drawing on the perspectives of 30 project management committees and 290 project members. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The water projects improved the members’ living conditions, community cohesion, and livelihoods. Key factors for project success include public–private partnerships, participation, and ownership, while those for failure include inequity, poor leadership and accountability, and inadequate capacities regarding skills and resources. We conclude by discussing options to improve local capacity to address the identified challenges.

Keywords:

• Community-based water projects
• effectiveness
• participation
• collective action
• sustainability
• Kenya
• sustainable water management
• governance