Water conflicts on the Manjirenji-Mkwasine irrigation water supply canal, Masvingo province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

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.