Assessing the effectiveness of environmental management structures and participation process in the upper Pungwe River Basin, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study assessed the effectiveness of environmental management structures and participation process in the upper Pungwe River basin. It looked at the interaction of environment and water management institutions and stakeholder structures in environmental management. A concurrent mixed methods approach was used. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques were employed. Seventeen questionnaires were administered to environmental management committee chairpersons. Interviews were held with three water resources management experts from the ZINWA and PSCC. Another three questionnaires were administered to the EMA, Mutasa RDC and Mutasa District Administrator. Water quality, sediment load and river runoff data for the Pungwe River was analysed using Mann-Kendal and Regression Analysis Statistics to detect trends and predict future levels. River sediment load showed a negative linear relationship with pH levels. Stakeholder participation still require enhancement. Coordination of land/environment and water management institutions and local stakeholders remains the key to achieving sustainable environmental management.