Past Projects
Environmental flow assessment for Tanzanian rivers
In 2002, the East African country of Tanzania revamped its legal and institutional frameworks for freshwater management, granting ecosystem needs for water second priority--after basic domestic needs--in water allocation decisions. Since then, concentrated efforts have been made to conduct environmental flow assessments (EFA) for Tanzania's major river systems, using holistic approaches. Tropical Rivers Lab scientists have participated in EFAs for the Mara, Wami, and Ruvu rivers. We have also worked to elevate scientific understanding of freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity in Tanzania, and the strengths and assets of local human populations to protect it.
Asset mapping for watershed conservation in Tanzania
The Mara River Basin, shared between Kenya and Tanzania, drains some of the world's most iconic landscapes -- such as the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park-- on its course from the Mau Forests to the Lake Victoria coastline near Musoma, Tanzania. Most research and conservation action to date has taken place on the Kenyan side of the basin, but recent efforts have helped to elevate knowledge of the Tanzanian side of the basin. Here, we are working collaboratively to identify the strengths and assets of human populations in the lower Mara River Basin--things like kinship, reciprocity networks, sacred forests, traditional water management practices, and international cooperation--that could be put to work for watershed management and conservation.
Lead Researchers
Nadia Seeteram
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Elizabeth Anderson
Principal Investigator | Associate Professor
East Africa Publications
Richards, N.; Anderson, E.P.; Rouillé-Kielo, G.; McClain, M.; Mombo, F. 2023. From the Mau Forest to Lake Victoria: The Journey of the Mara River in East Africa. In: Wantzen, K.M. (ed.): River Culture – Life as a Dance to the Rhythm of the Waters. Pp. 191–211. UNESCO Publishing, Paris. DOI:10.54677/XIUX8536
Seeteram, N.*, E.P. Anderson, P. Hyera, M. Lalika, and L. Kaaya. 2019. Conserving Tanzania’s freshwater biodiversity. Water 11(12): 2612. PDF
Kabogo, J., E.P. Anderson, P. Hyera, and G. Kajanja. 2017. Facilitating public participation in freshwater resources management: Reflections from Tanzania. Ecology and Society 22(4):26. PDF
McClain, M.E., A. Subalusky, E.P. Anderson, P. Ndomba, J. Mtamba, R. Tamatamah, C. Mligo, and J. Ayieko. 2014. Comparing flow regime, channel hydraulics and biological communities to infer flow-ecology relationships in the Mara River of Kenya and Tanzania. Hydrological Sciences Journal 59:1-19. PDF
Anderson, E.P. (ed). 2016. A Rapid Assessment of the Aquatic and Riparian Biota of the Wami-Ruvu Basin, Tanzania. Global Water for Sustainability Program. 66 pages.
Anderson, E.P. (ed). 2014. Environmental Flow Recommendations for the Ruvu River Basin, Tanzania. Global Water for Sustainability Program. 52 pages.
Subalusky, A., E.P. Anderson, and M.E. McClain. 2012. An Environmental Flow Assessment for the Mara River Basin, Kenya and Tanzania. Global Water for Sustainability Program, Miami, FL.
Anderson, E.P. and J. Sarmett. 2008. An initial environmental flow assessment for the Wami River sub-Basin, Tanzania. Technical report prepared for the Tanzanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation. Available online: http://wami.fiu.edu
Anderson, E.P., C.G. McNally, B. Kalangahe, H, Ramadhani, and H. Mhitu. 2007. The Wami River Estuary, Tanzania: A rapid ecological assessment. Technical report prepared for the Tanzania Coastal Management Partnership and the Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island. 35 p. Available online at: www.globalwaters.net Publications-Project Reports.
