Community-level mechanisms and strategies for managing sustainable water supply systems: lessons from Bongo district of northern Ghana

Abstract

The study examined the nature of community-level mechanisms and strategies for the management of sustainable water supply systems in the Bongo district through the lens of the structural functional theory perspective. The study employed a multiple-method approach with a total of 167 respondents through face-to-face interviews and household survey. The evidence suggests that community-level participation in water resource systems management is seen in decision-making, rule formulation and general day-to-day management via regular community meetings and consultation with community members, elders and opinion leaders. Beneficiaries of water systems were solely in charge of the operations and maintenance of water systems in the community with very limited government support and involvement. The evidence also points to women playing a major role in local-level management of water resource systems. Interestingly, traditional cultural practices (e.g. taboos) as well as social norms previously used in the management of water resource systems have gradually become obsolete and ineffective with the advent of formal education and Christianity in the local communities.