Divergence or collaboration? Examining water governance and conflict resolution through stakeholder interactions in the Pangani River Basin, Tanzania

Bibliographic Data

ID22110211
AuthorsSamwel J Kabote (0000-0001-8294-749X, Sokoine University of Agriculture, corresponding author), Suzana S Nyanda (Sokoine University of Agriculture), Halima O Mangi (Sokoine University of Agriculture), Amina A Hamad (Sokoine University of Agriculture)
Year2026
Volume12
Issue1
Publication date2026-12-31
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCogent Social Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2331-1886 • E-ISSN: 2331-1886
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23311886.2026.2657137
OpenAlexW7155531713
LanguageEN
References cited49

Informed by Stakeholder and Collaborative Governance theories, this study examines and advances the conceptual understanding of stakeholder interactions and their effectiveness in resolving water conflicts. This is an area that remains underexplored within the extant literature. Using a case of the Pangani River Basin in Tanzania, the study examines whether water governance is characterised by collaborative or divergent water governance approach, hereafter referred to as the water governance model. We employed a cross-sectional research design with mixed methods to collect data from a random sample of 383 households. Quantitative analysis utilised Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests at a 5% significance level, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The results show a multi-level governance structure characterised by fragmentation and weak stakeholder interactions due to many factors including asymmetrical power relations. Stakeholders in the midstream were perceived as more effective than those in the upstream and downstream locations (p ≤ 0.006) in resolving conflicts. Nonetheless, water conflicts remained rampant. This was exacerbated by weak institutional enforcement and perceived entitlements over water, which justify limited and or weak stakeholder interactions. Village authorities and Water Users Associations showed some fruitful initiatives in resolving disputes. However, the overall governance model remained divergent, with stakeholders largely operating in isolation. The study concludes presence of limited stakeholder interactions, which sustained inequities and conflicts. We recommend strengthening of institutional and stakeholders coordination, empowering stakeholders, enhancing enforcement, and creating inclusive forums to promote stakeholder interactions for collaborative water governance and consequently for effective conflicts resolution

Conflict resolution · Corporate governance · Stakeholder · Tanzania · Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity · Hydropower, Displacement, Environmental Impact · Transboundary Water Resource Management

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