The impacts of hydropower development on rural livelihood sustenance

Eric Ochieng Okuku, Steven Bouillon, Jacob Odhiambo Ochiewo, Fridah Munyi, Linet Imbayi Kiteresi and Mwakio Tole

International Journal of Water Resources Development, 2016, vol. 32, issue 2, 267-285

Abstract: The existing reservoirs on the River Tana (Kenya) were mainly constructed for hydropower generation, with inadequate consideration of the long-term impacts on downstream livelihoods. We investigated the impacts of the reservoirs on people's livelihoods downstream. The results showed a few positive impacts in the vicinity of the reservoirs and numerous negative impacts downstream (i.e. reduced flood-recess agriculture and floodplain pastoralism, and escalating resource-use conflicts). Inadequate stakeholders' consultation during reservoir development was also observed. We recommend a detailed basin-wide socioeconomic assessment for future reservoir developments and controlled flood release to simulate the natural flow regime, thereby restoring indigenous flood-based livelihoods while retaining sufficient reserves for power generation.

Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2015.1056297

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