Pangani River Basin, Tanzania : WANI case study

Climate change and the over exploitation of water resources is challenging the sustainability of the Pangani River Basin to deliver water services. Competition for diminishing water resources has led to tensions between the various stakeholders within the basin. Together with the government of Tanzania and donor partners, WANI has responded to this crisis by supporting the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This sought to bring together a variety of stakeholders by creating platforms for dialogue and encouraged collaboration towards a common goal. The Pangani River Basin Management Project has generated technical information and developed participatory forums, mainstreamed climate change, supported the equitable provision and wise governance of freshwater for livelihoods and environment for current and future generations. Initially designed as a demonstration site, the Pangani River Basin Management Project proved to be an adaptive process through which strong foundations of good governance, stakeholder participation and IWRM were cemented. Strong technical capabilities were combined with a long-term vision which continues to build on results. The Pangani River Basin shows how implementing IWRM at the basin level can demonstrate how mitigation actions reduce the adverse effects of climatic variability due to climate change.