PhD defence

Water resources (re-)distribution from East African forested water towers: Regional, local, and stakeholders’ perspectives

PhD candidate dr. CN (Charles) Wamucii
Promotor dr.ir. AJ (Ryan) Teuling
Co-promotor dr.ir. PR (Pieter) van Oel
dr.ir. A (Arend) Ligtenberg
External copromotor Prof. J. Gathenya
Organisation Wageningen University, Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management, Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing
Date

Wed 13 March 2024 11:00 to 12:30

Venue Omnia, building number 105
Hoge Steeg 2
105
6708 PH Wageningen
+31 (0) 317 - 484500
Room Auditorium

Summary

Understanding the distribution and redistribution of water resources in a landscape is paramount to effectively inform the management and governance of water resources. Conversely, to provide sufficient evidence, increase understanding, and explore feasible solutions to a sustainable future, the thesis identifies the research gaps that call for an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. Based on the context of East Africa (a water-scarce region), the thesis demonstrates that there is an urgent need to study the hydrological processes of the elevated forested water towers, under changing climate and complex human-water dynamics. As part of understanding better the human-water dynamics, there is a need to explore participatory approaches to engaging catchment stakeholders, to find feasible solutions to the complex redistribution of water resources and minimize reported water-related conflicts. This can increase an understanding of the distribution of water resources from forested water towers, and redistribution dynamics within the catchment, hence improving the management and governance of water resources.