The Effects of Water Shortages at the Household Level: Case Study of Kumawu Township in the Sekyere Kumawu District

Abstract

Globally, there have been increasing demands for water by increasing populations. Demands however outstrip supply in most regions creating water shortage situation. Water shortage is noted to have effects on the socio-economic livelihood development of households. This study assessed the effects of water shortage and coping strategies of households as well as the role of stakeholders in addressing the situation in Kumawu. Using the mixed method, 200 household questionnaires were administered and 6 in-depth interviews also conducted. Landsat ETM+ images were used for Land use/Land Cover changes. The study found that, pipe borne water is the principal source of water with rainwater and groundwater as alternative sources. It is found out that water supplied was inadequate and the shortage is exacerbated by climate change, population increase, cutting down of trees, settlement expansion and water pollution over the years. Water bodies however have disappeared over the years in Kumawu. The water shortage has led to significant effects on the socio-economic livelihood of residents with increases in reported cases of water related diseases at health centres. Also, women are affected more by water shortage than men. Other affected livelihood areas included education, food security and poverty. As a result residents have adopted water storage and treating stored water for use as coping strategies. The construction of a 5.3cubic metres ground water plant is underway among other institutional intervention. These however are inadequate in meeting the current demand for water placed at 15000 cubic metres annually. The study recommends stronger collaborations among institutions in addressing the water shortage situation. The study also recommends that, District level strategies should be formulated to tackle climate change, vegetation loss, rapid urbanisation and education on ecosystem conservation in the District.