Natural resources management in the Lake Victoria region of East Africa : a study in multi-level government

• Main Author: Nyende, Juma
• Published: Cardiff University 2011
• Subjects: 363.7
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.567167

This thesis explores the strengthening of multi-level government in the management of the Lake Victoria region’s environment and natural resources. It observes that the historic problem of state-centralism continues to significantly contribute to environmental degradation in the Lake region, which has of late escalated to a level that requires urgent attention, if the already devastating consequences are to be mitigated and avoided in the future. It is particularly observed that while the issues of insufficient local participation and regional coordination standout prominently among the major underlying causes for resource degradation in the Region, the concept of multi-level government has not been given the attention that it deserves. Owing to its local importance and trans-boundary status, the Lake region requires concerted management involving the local, national and regional levels. Unfortunately, the synergy among those levels of government is still weak despite the tremendous opportunities offered by several recent developments, including a significant review of local government and various environmental laws. Also, despite its potential and achievements so far, the recently revived East African Community (EAC), whose mandate includes natural resources management, is yet to position itself as an effective supra-national institution. Much as the current legal and institutional frameworks tend to suggest an increasing level of engagement with other levels of government, this development tends to be drawn back by several inhibitions, both in design and at a practical level. The thesis concludes that unless, the institutional structures for natural resources management are reviewed and strengthened in a manner that logically distributes powers and functions at the local, national and regional levels, the other positive measures so far in place are likely not to achieve their desired outcomes.