Community aspirations and hopes on groundwater governance: qualitative insights for climate change adaptation and resilience in semi–arid Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction Aspirations and hopes play a vital role in shaping ideas about water resource management. Due to increasing climate variability and a growing population, reliance on groundwater has risen in the Dodoma Region, threatening its sustainable use. Over the years, the community has relied on indigenous knowledge (IK) and traditional methods to ensure that groundwater remains accessible and well managed for both current and future generations. Despite their importance, community aspirations, hopes, and IK regarding effective groundwater governance remain underexplored. This study examined the community’s aspirations, hopes, and IK that contribute to the sustainable management of groundwater and land resources in the context of climate change in Tanzania. Methods The research employed a qualitative approach, including focus group discussions and interviews with key informants conducted from December 2024 to February 2025. Participants and respondents were water users and managers from community, government, and non-government organizations. Content analysis was used to group qualitative information into small, meaningful themes. Results The community’s aspirations and hopes focus on urging the government to increase the number of both deep and shallow wells, expand water price subsidies, and strengthen pollution control initiatives to protect, conserve, and manage groundwater, ensuring equitable and inclusive access. There is a high level of “hydro-geological and biological literacy” that guides traditional decisions about groundwater exploration and site selection. The construction of the Farkwa Dam boosts hopes for economic and social progress, including the expansion of irrigated agriculture. Local water users maintain traditions for water and land care, rooted in their cultural heritage and overseen by traditional leaders, but these traditions are declining among youth. Building partnerships with communities and leaders and encouraging inclusive cooperation that respects indigenous practices are essential.