Determinants of Household Participation in Rural Water Supply Delivery in West Mamprusi District, Northern Region

ABSTRACT

The study sought to assess the determinants of household participation in the operation and maintenance of boreholes provided by World Vision Ghana (WVG) in the overseas area of the West Mamprusi District in the Northern Region. The study was carried out in three communities namely, Loagri No.1, Yagba and Kubori with populations ranging from 500 to 900 people, which have been provided with more than 4 boreholes since the inception of the project in the overseas area of the district in 2000. A semi-structured household questionnaire was used to collect selfreported data from 150 households. The study found a statistically significant relationship between cash contributions as a dependent variable for household participation in water service delivery and two explanatory (independent) variables (sex of the respondent and household size). This suggests that sex (gender) and household size may be strong predictors of households’ willingness to participate towards the operation and maintenance of rural improved water sources. On the basis of this finding, the study recommends that the District Assembly, as the local government authority, adopt innovative engagement strategies with various identifiable community stakeholders in order to achieve long-term participation of households for ensuring the sustainability of improved water sources.