Application of Game Theory in Solving Urban Water Challenges in Ibadan-North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The significance of water in human life cannot be ignored, but in most of the developing countries; availability, provision and access to good water source to the citizens has post major challenges. The nature of water scarcity has been majorly attributed to seasonal factor and high population pressure. This study therefore aimed at developing a practical approach and mechanism to solving water challenges in urban areas in Nigeria by means of game theory. The findings revealed that majority of respondents lack access to portable or drinkable water from water agency and that regular water supply sources have been traced to be borehole or well which was provided by citizens in the community at a cost. Applying the game theory approach, the outcome of the game indicates that the equilibrium value for the two players (the water agency and the residents) is N2,000 for 1,000 liters of water supply monthly. However, the payoff can be maiximised by every player (monetary values for the water agency and satisfactory water consumption for the residents). It is therefore importance that water agency should improve in the quality of their work in providing adequate water supply to the community to reduce or eradicate ailment arises from non availability of quality water.