Socioeconomic Determinants Of Household Access To Clean Water: A Case Study Of A Selected Peri-Urban Ward In Northern Tanzania
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Date
2025-08
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Access to water is essential to sustain human and ecological life. Despite the acclaimed crucial importance of clean water for human and ecological life and sustenance, most communities in sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania included, still lack clean and safe water. This study highlights the need to investigate socio-economic factors that influence the achievement of the desired clean water for peri-urban dwellers who depend on piped and tap water. The current study was carried out in Kikwe ward, Arusha, Tanzania. Mixed methods guided by a cross-sectional research design were employed. Data was collected via a survey, with 353 questionnaires
personally administered to respondents. Quantitative data analysis techniques, including descriptive and inferential statistics, were employed in the analysis. Qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews and analyzed thematically. The results from the current study indicate that 29.2% of the study participants had access to clean water. Furthermore, household income, paying water bills, and engaging in water-dependent activities had a significant relation with clean water accessibility. The findings highlight significant disparities in water accessibility and safety in the surveyed community. The village-by-village
analysis indicates that 71.6% in Nambala had their households connected to piped water. For Kikwe, 84.8% depended on centralized community access points. Furthermore, 90.7% of Karangai indicated that their main water source was rivers. Overall, 15.3% had access to treated water, there are potential health risks, such as exposure to waterborne diseases. While Nambala showed better access to piped water, most other areas relied heavily on centralized community access points or riverine sources. This underscores the urgent need for improved water infrastructure and public education on safe water practices. The study concluded that there is a need for women's inclusion in decision-making on clean water accessibility. Therefore, there is a need for enhancing education and awareness initiatives, increasing investment in water infrastructure, including rainwater harvests, and accelerating the implementation of water projects to safeguard and promote the well-being of peri-urban communities.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG-5: Gender Equality
SDG-6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG-10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG-11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG-13: Climate Action