Economic Factors Influencing Household Access to Clean Water in a Peri-Urban Area of Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Economic factors and associated correlations play a crucial role in shaping household access to clean water in peri-urban areas, directly impacting the well-being and health of communities. Most communities globally still lack ac cess to safe and clean water, resulting to illness and even death due to water borne diseases. This study aims to investigate how economic factors influence household access to clean water in a Peri-Urban area of Northern Tanzania. To archive the objectives of this study, 353 questionnaires were administered, and for qualitative data collection semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key informants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for quantitative data, and qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results show that 70.8% had no piped water, 65.4% were farmers, and 70.5% of individuals earning less than 110,000 TZS were 1.625 times more likely to lack access to clean water than higher-income households (95% CI: 1.221 - 2.163, p = 0.001) and 48.4% depended on water for production. Most communities in Peri-Ur ban area of Northern Tanzania rely on alternative sources of water, including rivers. To achieve sustainable development goal focusing on improvements in water access, policymakers must prioritise economic development initiatives that foster job creation and infrastructure enhancement.