Influence of multiple uses of water on the sustainability of communally-managed rural water supply systems in Zimbabwe
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IWA Publishing
Abstract
The utilisation of drinking water supply systems for productive uses is not a new practice in
Zimbabwe and the world over. This study sought to explore how multiple uses of water, in this case
community gardening as a productive use combined with domestic uses influence sustainability of
communally-managed rural water supply systems. Using the independent samples t-test, it was
noted that community gardening positively influences sustainability. The test was done on
institutional, technical, social and financial factors of sustainability. Results showed that there were
statistically significant differences in sustainability performance between water points used for
multiple uses and those used for domestic uses only. However, it was also noted that using drinking
water sources for multiple uses increases the frequency of water use conflicts and water point
breakdowns, which negatively impact on sustainability. This means that where water sources are
used for multiple uses additional management skills and resources may be required for the water
points to be sustained.
Description
Keywords
Water and sanitation, Community gardens, Rural water supply, Sustainability, Zimbabwe
Citation
Kativhu, T. et al. (2021). Influence of multiple uses of water on the sustainability of communally-managed rural water supply systems in Zimbabwe.Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development,11(1), 91–101. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2020.173