Perceptions of Climate Variability Effects on Household Water Availability and Health: A Case Study of Four Rural Communities in Ghana.

Abstract

Globally, one of the major contributors to diseases burden and mortality are waterborne diseases and sanitation-related infections. The study sought to investigate the implications of climate variability on water availability and its implications for public health. Cross tabulations, Chi-square statistic and a logit model were used to identify determinants of water availability and the determinants of water borne diseases. Data for the study was collected via survey of women in households within the villages of Tsetsekpo, Totope, Sayikope and Klukope. A questionnaire instrument, direct observation and focus group discussions were employed to collect data from respondents. Generally, the outcome of the study showed that there was an association between socio-economic factors of the household head such as education (χ² = 10.4, df=8, p=0.002), occupation of household head (χ² = 21.1, df=10, p=0.02), household income (R= -0.27, p=0.00) and the choice of a water source used by the household. Likewise, focus group discussions revealed that the cost of water from a particular source also influenced household choice. Also, respondents had a perception that climatic variability could have an impact on the availability of water. The probability of contracting water borne disease was dependent on age, income, education and duration of stay in the community. Furthermore, water borne diseases were found to have a significant impact on household welfare in terms of time lost in taking care of sick persons. Socio-economic status of household heads could also influence water and sanitation choices of household and in turn influence public health. It is recommended that policies geared towards poverty alleviation for small scale farmers and fisher folk must be implemented as this is a prerequisite for successful adaptation to the impacts of climate change.