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Stewardship Partnerships for Sustainable Natural Resources Management: Regional Exchange for a Just Transition in Economic Zones

As part of their national development goals, many countries are expanding production zones – creating economic hubs that pose both environmental risks and opportunities for large-scale resource efficiency. But how can industrial development happen without degrading ecosystems and vital natural resources? And how can this transition be socially just, leaving no one behind?

Better together – Partnerships for Collaborative Action on Sustainable Resource Management in Economic Zones 

Participants of the three-day regional exchange event in Dar es Salaam. ©Stefano Bianco

During a three-day regional learning and exchange event, more than 50 participants from different sectors (public, private, civil society) from NatuReS partner countries Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania came together in Dar es Salaam to shed light on these pressing questions. The consensus was clear. No actor can solve this issue alone. It needs partnerships between the public and private sectors as well as civil society to find shared solutions. Thus, it was no surprise that the event was opened with a strong call for action, collaboration, and innovation.

Balancing Industrial Development with Environmental Stewardship in Tanzania

Representing the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Tanzania, Mr Aristides Mbwasi, Director of Investment at the Tanzania Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) spoke about the importance of balancing industrial development with environmental stewardship. He advocated for social-ecological and transformative measures and integrative solutions that promote economic development while protecting vital natural resources. Mr Mbwasi stressed the role of sharing knowledge and best practises in order to bridge the gap between industrialization and sustainability to advance a Just Transition.

In his opening remarks, Mr Elibariki Mmassy, Basin Director of the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) in Tanzania, highlighted the urgency of integrated water management in the face of pollution, overuse, and climate change. He emphasized that water security is not only a technical issue – it is also a matter of social justice. He called for transformative solutions to wastewater management and pollution control, highlighting opportunities for private sector engagement.

Water Security for Economic Zones: Lessons from Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Across the Region 

After setting the scene for the following days full of discussion and learning, participants had the chance to look beyond their own turf and explore how stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships are identifying and collaboratively addressing shared natural resources risk. Besides discussing technical solutions such as rainwater harvesting or nature-based solutions, the panellists pointed out that to overcome these challenges, private sector, government and civil society have to work hand in hand to enhance water security and sustainability. To this end, global frameworks such as the International Framework for Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) can function as a strategic lever to link commercial success with socio-ecological responsibility.

Panellists discussing water security and associated risks in economic zones. ©Stefano Bianco

Making a Business Case for Collaborative Water Stewardship

In a lively fishbowl discussion, participants discussed what makes compelling business cases for collaborative action between all sectors, identifying key drivers, enablers and challenges. Key takeaways include: 

  • Private sector must shift from profit-only models to sustainability-driven strategies, embracing compliance and innovation.
  • Public sector plays a critical role as enabler and regulator, translating policy into impactful action.
  • Financing mechanisms like impact investment or investment platforms can scale up solutions, with success measured by both economic returns and socio-ecological impact.

From Dialogue to Action – The Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones within Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ)

The second day of the event was packed full of action with a field visit to the premises of the Tanzania Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) located within the Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ). This gave participants the opportunity to see how the Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones, which is supported by NatuReS, jointly drives activities for a socio-ecological transformation on the ground. The visit also presented the perfect opportunity for the official signing of the new partnership action plan.

Initially formed in 2018, the Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones has achieved great results in its efforts to enhance water security within the special economic zone. 

Notable achievements and activities include: 

  • Establishing wastewater management guidelines for the zone 
  • Upgrading the sewage pumping station 
  • Introducing solid waste management systems for the zone 
  • Enhancing water use efficiency through the expansion of the Tooku Garments wastewater treatment plant and enhancement of water use efficiency

In addition to gaining insights into the collaborative strategies and actions implemented by the partnership, participants had the opportunity to visit the wastewater treatment plant of Tooku Garments, one of the largest tenants in the Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ). The visit provided valuable learnings on the practical application of wastewater management solutions and highlighted the importance of sustainable industrial practices in that regard.

Addressing Water Resource Governance Challenges in Tanzania and Beyond

On the last day of the regional exchange event, participants travelled all the way to Morogoro to visit the Mindu Dam which is part of the Wami/Ruvu basin that provides the water resources for millions of people in the region.
Representatives from the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) shared the challenges they face, such as increased water usage and abstraction due to rapid population growth and industrialization, particularly in the Dar es Salaam and Dodoma areas. Pollution from upstream sources also poses a significant threat to water quality. The Board’s role is to ensure the sustainable availability of water resources to support both community well-being and national economic development.

Following the dam visit, participants were hosted at the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) headquarters, where they were introduced to the journey undertaken by the WRBWB, with support from NatuReS, to improve water resource management and governance in Tanzania. This included the evolution of a water permitting process, from initial concepts to the launch of the national Water Use Management Information System (WUMIS). The WUMIS system can be used both for water abstraction and wastewater discharge permits by various sectors. Participants also learned how WUMIS is currently transforming from a rather complicated, paper-based system into a digitized process that streamlines permit applications, payments, and management, thereby significantly enhancing water governance and improving water resource management in Tanzania. 

Participants in front of the WRBWB office in Morogoro. ©Stefano Bianco

Additionally, Rosemary Rwebugisa, Assistant Acting Director in the Ministry of Water, emphasized that, alongside improvements in the water governance system, it is crucial to actively involve local communities in water source protection activities. This holistic approach ensures the long-term sustainability of water resources and fosters greater community ownership and responsibility for water conservation.

The insights gained from the water governance journey in Tanzania generated significant interest among participants from Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Africa, offering valuable inspiration to explore similar pathways for enhancing water governance in their own contexts. 

Rosemary Rwebugisa during her presentation. ©Stefano Bianco

Looking Ahead: Building a Just and Resilient Future through Partnerships

The regional exchange reaffirmed that water stewardship is a cornerstone of a socio-ecological transformation, particularly within the context of economic zones and industrial development. Stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships have proven to be powerful drivers, bringing together actors from across sectors to foster transparency, inclusivity, and shared responsibility on the path to a Just Transition.

Through the power of knowledge exchange, supportive policies, and the joint implementation of innovative solutions, partner countries are advancing toward a future where healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and thriving sustainable industries are not distant goals – but shared, lived realities.

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Gender Inclusion in Tanzania’s Sustainable Water Management Partnerships (SUWAMA)

Catchment stewardship partnerships are crucial for managing water resources sustainably through collective action to address the myriad challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and increasing water demand. These partnerships often bring together diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, communities, and non-governmental organizations. However, for such collaborations to achieve equitable and sustainable outcomes, gender inclusion must play an integral part in their design and implementation. 

Gender inclusion workshop introduction session with SUWAMA partners. © Agro Tanzania 

Gender Inclusion: A Cornerstone of Sustainable Water Management 

Gender inclusion in catchment stewardship partnerships is important because water access, use, and management often have gender-specific dynamics. In many societies, women bear the primary responsibility for collecting and managing household water supplies. Yet, they are frequently excluded from decision-making processes about water resource management. Addressing this imbalance is not only a matter of equity but also a practical step toward more effective and sustainable water governance. 

Additionally, women and men often use water resources differently. Women are more likely to focus on domestic and subsistence uses, while men might engage in agricultural or industrial water use. Furthermore, women and marginalized groups possess valuable local knowledge about water sources, seasonal variations, and sustainable practices, which can enhance the design and implementation of stewardship initiatives. Ignoring these differences can lead to policies that disadvantage one group over another. Therefore, when women and marginalized groups are excluded from water resources management decisions, their specific needs and insights are overlooked, leading to inequitable outcomes and potentially unsustainable practices.

Gender Inclusion Challenges in SUWAMA Partnerships 

Efforts to promote gender inclusion in the SUWAMA partnerships have revealed significant challenges rooted in systemic, cultural, and operational barriers. Despite some progress, deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and structural inequities continue to limit women’s participation in water resources management and governance.

A SUWAMA partnership member contributing on the gender inclusion challenges in the partnerships due to the lack of knowledge on the roles, rights and needs of women and marginalized groups. © Agro Tanzania 

Firstly, a key challenge is systemic exclusion that cements patriarchal traditions by prioritizing male leadership and decision-making, which become societal norms that assume men are better suited for such roles. Additionally, systemic exclusion also drives traditional perceptions of viewing women and marginalized groups as ‘less capable’ of handling physically demanding tasks; thus, discouraging their involvement in activities like furrow rehabilitation. Secondly, narrow advocacy and representation often leads to gender inclusion topics being treated as a ‘secondary issue’ with token representation in committees rather than systemic integration into governance processes. While progress has been made to address existing policy and implementation gaps, broader systemic reforms and robust implementation are lacking. Lastly, safety concerns caused by gender-based violence risks and traditional beliefs often discourage women’s involvement in roles requiring nighttime work, such as resolving furrow management conflicts.  

Boosting Gender Inclusion in SUWAMA Partnerships 

Understanding the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups raises awareness among SUWAMA partners on the need for structured and sustained efforts to empower this group in active water resources management. On 4th and 5th December 2024, 40 beneficiaries (members) of SUWAMA Weruweru (16) and Usa River (14) as well as other water resources beneficiaries from the communities (10 members) were invited to a dialogue aimed at better understanding and dismantling barriers to participation, exploring strategies to amplify the voices of under-represented groups and promote equitable decision-making processes.  

SUWAMA public sector partners brainstorming activities for the partnership gender action plan. © Agro Tanzania

To ensure the dialogue process provided a conducive environment for meaningful participation, the workshop organizers used appropriate facilitation styles and language, covered costs for participation, and provided a safe space to all the participants. Inclusive facilitation allows all voices, especially those of women and marginalized groups, to be heard, while using familiar language fosters understanding among rural participants. Covering costs and providing reimbursements removes financial barriers that may otherwise exclude participants. And ensuring safety during travel and at the venue addresses concerns, particularly for women and marginalized groups, enabling them to attend and engage without fear. These factors collectively created an environment that supported equitable and effective participation. 

Pathways to Progress: Transformative Recommendations 

The discussions on gender roles in irrigation systems identified opportunities for cross-gender collaboration and emphasizing women and marginalized groups’ potential to take on leadership and traditionally male-dominated roles. Women and marginalized groups advocated for more involvement in leadership, water resources protection, maintaining irrigation systems, and planning water allocations, viewing these as critical steps toward equity. 

Community education and constitutional reforms were highlighted as tools to break patriarchal barriers and ensure women and marginalized groups’ representation. Participants also proposed alternative income generating activities, like recycling of plastic waste from rivers, to empower women and marginalized groups economically. Training initiatives and community support were deemed necessary to build women and marginalized groups’ confidence and encourage their participation in leadership. 

Environmental conservation, including river restoration and tree planting, were identified as a priority, with bylaws and funding needed to support these efforts. These recommendations underline the importance of empowering women and fostering collaboration to achieve sustainable water resources management. 

Turning Words into Action: Implementing Gender Inclusion in SUWAMA Partnerships 

Moving forward, a SUWAMA partner – Agro Tanzania – will serve as the gender focal person at the partnership secretariat level. The newly developed gender action plan activities will be integrated into the broader Partnership Action Plan under a new working area: “Gender Inclusion in Water Resources Management.” 

The gender task force will implement this action plan at both partnership and community levels, with support from the SUWAMA secretariat. The implementation will be conducted through training and workshops.  And progress will be monitored through beneficiary evaluations showcasing how the recommendations are being applied and used. These steps aim to transform gender inclusion from a discussion point into practical, measurable actions for sustainable water resource management. 

Sharing Insights on Stewardship Partnerships at the Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Dialogue in South Africa

From 13-15 March 2023, stakeholders from the public sector, representatives of regional economic communities (RECs), academic and research institutions, the scientific community, and civil society gathered to share knowledge, and experience in the “Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Dialogue, transitioning to resilient farming in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).”  

At the conference, our NatuReS colleague, Aristarick Mkenda, shared insights from stewardship partnerships in the Pangani Basin in Tanzania. The dialogue was convened by the Transforming Smallholder Irrigation in Southern Africa (TISA) consortium in collaboration with the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Campus in Pretoria, South Africa. The conference theme was “Transitioning to Climate-Resilient Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),” focusing on the next generation of research, smart technology, policy development and best practices.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Dialogue Goals:

The Policy Dialogue aimed to accomplish the following: 

  • Share data demonstrating the value of climate-smart farming in SSA’s transition to resilient farming communities. 
  • Provide suggestions on how to scale up the development of climate-smart and resilient farming systems in SSA. 
  • Networking and encouraging collaborations and action 

Social inclusion in the context of agriculture and food systems, water resources use, and climate action, was one of the conference’s important sub-themes. Communities, women and youths crucially contribute to agriculture and SSA catchments as farmers, workers and entrepreneurs.  Depending on the regions, these groups face distinct constraints that reduce their productivity and limit their contributions to agricultural production, family livelihoods, and economic growth. As a result, the importance of context-sensitive and inclusive approaches to support them was emphasized. 

Presentation on: Addressing Water Security through Water Stewardship Partnerships. Experiences from the Pangani Basin in Tanzania

NatuReS colleague Aristarick Mkenda shared perspectives on stewardship partnerships as a possible solution to increase effective stakeholder participation and representation to address shared challenges in water-stressed catchments. Sustainable and participatory water management, thereby, is fundamental to sustainable agriculture. His presentation was based on his co-authored scientific article (Richards et al., 2022) for the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) that analysed the partnership approach as a solution for inclusive participation. The partnerships facilitated by NatuReS in the Pangani River Basin in Tanzania served as empirical data. 

Stewardship partnerships answer other IWRM implementation gaps. For example, additional financing from private sector partners can overcome the need for more funds to implement projects. 

A productive discussion with the participants followed the presentation, in which challenges and their possible solutions of stewardship partnerships were discussed, such as costs of participation and balanced involvement of the private sector.  

Collaboration to Address the Growing Complexity in the Agricultural Sector

In the concluding remarks of the conferences, Prof. Jammie Pittock from Australian National University (ANU) highlighted that the objectives in the agricultural sector have become much more complicated since they have grown from simply producing food to cover diverse societal needs and adapting to climate variability. The complexity of the issues and topics in agriculture is making collaborations and partnerships between individuals and sectors more important now than ever.  

We thank the “Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Dialogue” and its inspiring participants for the invitation and the productive conference days and are looking forward to more valuable exchanges. 

For more information about addressing water security through water stewardship partnerships, you can access the research article here

Inclusively and sustainably managing natural resources: Experiences from cross-sectoral stewardship partnerships in Tanzania 

Collaborative approaches to natural resources governance enable accountability and equitable allocation of resources between competing demands, as can be the case between upstream and downstream water use needs. GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) programme provides facilitation and strategy in setting up cross-sectoral stewardship partnerships for Tanzanian stakeholders to jointly analyze and address natural resources risks, aiming at generating social, environmental and economic benefits.

The programme developed the Natural Resources Risk and Action Framework (NRAF) as a five-phased participatory process to enable stakeholders from businesses, communities, and governments to tackle shared environmental risks together.

Setting up Stewardship Partnerships in Tanzanian River Catchments

Stewardship partnerships supported by GIZ-NatuReS are built on the understanding that natural resources are better managed through cross-sectoral collaboration. Leveraging the resources and capacities of every sector, the availability and integrity of these resources can be ensured in the long term. Partnerships are established through a step-by-step inclusive process, guiding partners in tackling shared environmental risks in a participatory manner. The aim is to reduce classical silo working systems by accompanying public, private, and civil society sector in identifying joint risks and supporting them in developing joint solutions to reduce these risks. Under this framework, NatuReS Tanzania acts as a neutral broker – supporting partners in working together to find mutually beneficial solutions for sustainable economic growth and the continued use of precious natural resources (Richards et. al, 2022)

Partners under the Sustainable Water Management Partnership (SUWAMA) in Usa River, Northern Tanzania, during the signing of their Partnership Action Plan. Copyright: GIZ/Aristarick Mkenda. 

Enhancing Inclusive Participation in Water Resources Governance

NatuReS in Tanzania has enhanced inclusive participation within the supported partnerships by ensuring the equal involvement and representation of all stakeholders in the discussion, planning and decision-making processes in natural resources management. To enable cross-sectoral collaboration, good leadership and coordination mechanisms are of paramount importance. Therefore, the key added value the partnership approach brings to natural resources management is improving the communication and coordination between various users, who are otherwise often not communicating or even hostile towards each other. The regular good governance meetings that partners under the Sustainable Water Management Partnership (SUWAMA) held prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and steering committee meetings that continue to date are examples of these joint fora. In these meetings, participants exchange about how regulators’ roles and responsibilities can be harmonized to increase results-based decision-making, collaboration between sectors can be enhanced, and compliance to environmental regulations be better enforced.  

SUWAMA Partners in Usa River, Northern Tanzania, discussing governance issues in the sub-catchment. Copyright: GIZ/Adelaide Mkwawa. 

Strengthening Civil Society Organizations 

To improve communities and civil society participation, NatuReS has continuously supported the capacitation of Water Users Associations (WUAs), who were previously inactive. WUAs are legal entities stemming from the Water Resources Management Act of 2009. They act as “small water boards” at the community level and are designed as the lowest participative organizations for water resources management within defined basins. Covering segments of watersheds, they are broadly responsible for water conservation activities, conflict management over water issues, and water allocation to irrigators through a permitting system. They are mandated by the Water Act and respective basin boards to bring up the issues of water users at the basin level. As “the eyes and ears” on the ground for the basin offices, they are particularly insightful in managing conflicts over water allocation and know the livelihood activities of local communities.

Water Users Association members participating in a Financial Management training. Copyright: GIZ/Ebrania Mlimbila.

As a WUA leader, I was inspired to join the partnership after seeing the challenges of working with a large group of water users. The partnership has worked by bringing together investors, water users and other diverse stakeholders. We know what everyone is doing, where water is being abstracted from and for what purpose. Furthermore, water users are now conversant with the various governance structures responsible in taking care and overseeing the available water sources. Prior to joining the partnership, Water Users Associations and the Pangani Basin Water Office would constantly be accused of not equitably distributing water among beneficiaries. Through improved coordination, stakeholders now understand their roles and responsibilities in taking care of this precious natural resource. 

– Tito Kitomari, Upper Kikuletwa WUA Leader 

NatuReS undertook a capacity assessment of the WUAs, identified areas for enhancing their capacity, and provided trainings within the areas of Catchment Conservation – enabling them to play a greater role in sustainable catchment conservation and management; Financial Management – supporting them in managing the finances of their institutions; as well as Leadership and Governance – to build their capacity on strategic leadership, focusing on governance and community leadership roles. 

Water resources issues concern everyone in the community, therefore involvement [participation] is crucial. Partnerships provide a platform where stakeholders discuss these issues and help us to come up with more powerful solutions.

– Karim Kimaro, Weruweru WUA Secretary

Steering Private Sector Funds towards Water Resources Management  

Gabions installed at the DOMIKWA irrigation furrow intake. Copyright: GIZ/Ebrania Mlimbila.

Under partnerships following a stewardship approach, businesses go beyond their corporate social responsibility by making in-cash and in-kind contributions to partnership activities, leveraging funds for public sector to adequately manage natural resources. A good example is the DOMIKWA irrigation furrow structural rehabilitation in the Usa River sub-catchment. The furrow, located along the Usa River, is one of the main furrows supplying water in the area. Partners joined forces to rehabilitate it after its structure had severely deteriorated over time. In-cash and in-kind contributions of 38.5M and 10M Tanzanian shillings were pledged by private sector and furrow members, respectively. The private sector procured most of the construction materials and covered all the labor costs. 

Without effective collaboration between government agencies, businesses and communities, it is impossible to make these activities [water resources management] sustainable.

– Abraham Yessaya, Community Development Officer, PBWB
DOMIKWA furrow structural rehabilitation discussions between public sector, private sector and civil society. Copyright: GIZ/Ebrania Mlimbila.

Availability and good quality of natural resources like water, soil or air are key to livelihoods and economies. Their scarcity, endangerment or mismanagement can provoke conflicts. Innovative approaches like natural resources stewardship offer an opportunity to address shared risks and develop joint, inclusive and long-lasting solutions for water-stressed catchments such as the Pangani Basin in Tanzania.

Maintaining a 7-kilometer-long river stream is too much to handle for one company alone. It is difficult to monitor issues such as water theft, structural issues and vandalism at the furrows and water source. As a beneficiary, Dekker Chrysanten believes that collective action is necessary to resolve water challenges. Addressing water risks becomes easier as the responsibility to maintain the river stream is equitably shared amongst stakeholders.

– Gabriel Steven, Flower Transporter and Breeding officer, Dekker Chrysanten