ANALYSIS OF ACCESS-TIME, DISTANCE TO WATER SOURCES AND THE ROLE OF WOMEN AND THE GIRL-CHILD IN THE PROVISION OF DOMESTIC WATER IN ANYIGBA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Domestic water supply is one of the fundamental requirements of human life.  Without water, life cannot be sustained beyond a few days, and a lack of access to adequate water supply both in quality and quantity leads to the spread of diseases. The aim of this study is to analyze access-time spent and distance to the water sources in most rural areas and the role of women and the girl-child in the provision of household water for domestic uses. Simple random sampling technique was adopted using survey design with 322 as sample size. Data sources were both primary and secondary with questionnaire administration as research instrument. Data required were from access time, distance, water sources and gender role in water provision. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in this study. The result revealed that 78.5% of the total population use between 1hr-1.2hrs in search of water. Furthermore, 28.5% of boys, 37.8% of women and 22.3% of girls were involved in domestic water delivery. On distance, 13.6% (<100m), 18.9% (300m), 27.2% (800m) while 25.7% (1.2km). Hypothesis reveals (P< .05). The study recommends that a more spatially distributed water sources be provided and more workable policies be made by relevant agencies to save women and children from been overburden with domestic water provision.