Communities in the Mara River basin are banding together to improve water quantity and quality through measures such as agroforestry, reforestation and alternative livelihood options.

Xinhua News Agency reports that the Mara River Water Users Association (MRWUA) - established in 2003 to overcome competition for water resources - is undertaking awareness raising activities in relation to conservation, spring protection, water harvesting and energy saving technologies.

The Mara River is important to Kenya’s economy not just because it is where the famous wildebeest migrations take place, but also because it is home to around 1.2 million people.

In recent years, there has been a reduction in fiver flows and water quality, largely attributed to poor land use practices, massive water extraction, deforestation, human encroachment into forests and the establishment of large farms (such as for tea and wheat).

The MRWUA has recognized the interconnectedness of conservation with livelihoods in the area and introduced different alternative sources of livelihoods aimed at ensuring the functioning of the ecosystem and maintaining basic human needs. These include agroforestry and bee-keeping. Farmers are also being encouraged to adopt farming methods that support river bank protection and forest rehabilitation.

Read the full story: Saving Kenya's Mara ecosystem may help avert potential water conflicts