Managing water, sustaining life. The institutionalization of water resource management policy.

Abstract: This bachelor thesis investigates how the implementation of water resource management promote an institutional design that can create lasting change. It is a case study of the Mara River Basin Initiative in Kenya and Tanzania, where great efforts have been taken to combat water related problems. The national governments have delegated the operational responsibilities to local water users’ groups, which are in charge of administering the policies locally. Rules are also in place, punishing pollution or over-usage of water by tariffs. By using the Institutional Analysis and Development framework developed by Elinor Ostrom, the structure of the water institutions are analysed. I am able to describe the institutional structure of the project, and through the framework also determine its institutional stability. It is concluded that many of the actions taken are in line with Ostroms’ thoughts, and that it very well can be applicable to other water management projects.