Sources and Functionality of Rural Water Supply in Communities from three Senatorial Zones of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainability of domestic water access in communities is essential for good health, society’s dignity and progress. This study investigated the sources and functionality of rural water supply in nine communities of three local government area (LGA) in three senatorial zones of Imo State, Nigeria using structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered on 100 women in each community. Data obtained were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to reveal the frequency of using the various sources of rural water supply, and Wilcoxon’s test for matched pairs to reveal the functionality status of the most frequently used water source. The findings indicate the importance of borehole water facilities in these rural communities and the necessity for intervention programs to strengthen their functionality in tandem with the State’s aspirations in achieving sustainable development goals.