Abstract

Oniward Svubure*, Gabriel Soropa, Siyakia Mandirega, Farirai Rusere, Annah Ndeketeya and Desire Moyo

The case of the 45 km long Manjirenji-Mkwasine irrigation water supply canal in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe in Masvingo Province presents risks of conflicts among the different irrigator categories which this study investigated along with the questions on conceptual model, stakeholder participation and institutional arrangements through which the operation of the canal was mediated. Eighty percent of the respondents indicated that they have either witnessed or been involved in water related conflicts ranging from illegal water diversions to non-payment for water use. While several institutional arrangements were involved in conflict resolution, more than 87% of the stakeholders indicated that these were ineffective. A conceptual model on shared irrigation water is proffered drawing from insights on meaningful stakeholder participation, institutional support, treatment of water as an economic good and also as a natural resource. This model can minimize conflicts among stakeholders for the sustainability of the shared Manjirenji-Mkwasine irrigation canal.