EXAMINING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING WATER CONSERVATION INTENTIONS AMONGST PERI-URBAN COMMUNITIES OF ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Using the Theory of Planned Bahaviour (TPB), this study aim to identify the factors that influence water conservation intention in peri-urban communities in South Africa. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design, and a quantitative research approach, which followed a positivist paradigm. Water users residing within the Waterloo low-costing housing area were selected by random sampling design (n=305). Data was collected through an anonymised research questionnaire. Structural equation model (SEM) was performed to establish the factors that predict water conservation intention. The findings showed that the path between the subjective norms and intentions (P=0.014) as well as attitude and intentions- (P=0.002) were significant. However, no relationship was found between water conservation practices and water conservation intention (P>0.05). This study conclusively suggests that water conservation intention among residences of peri-urban communities can be conceptualized as a function of their attitudes and subjective norms.