Multi-Stakeholder Platform in Water Resources Management: A Critical Analysis of Stakeholders’ Participation for Sustainable Water Resources

Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) have gained momentum in addressing contentious and cross-sectoral aspects of natural resources management. They helped to enhance cross-learning the inclusion marginalized groups. Tanzania’s water management sub-sector has championed these as a means breaking silos around planning, coordination, resource mobilization. However, it is not uncommon experience occasional dominance some influential sectors or groups due their contribution process, contemporary influence, statutory authority. Between 2013 2020, Tanzania pioneered establishment MSPs at national level across river lake basins. This paper examines representation stakeholder platforms. Additionally, establishes baseline information that contributes unlocking current project-based platform design characterized by inherent limitations potential changes stakeholders’ attitudes actions. The research analyzed stakeholder’s views, representation, local international literature formulate opinions. Findings indicated gender equality had been adhered despite being guidelines for establishing MSPs. balance public, private, civil society organizations (CSOs) acutely dominated public sector organizations, especially water-related ones. Finally, participation on decision-making minimal, causing unsustainable unless development partners continue support operational costs.