Influence of household demographic and socio-economic factors on water demand in Ngamiland District, Botswana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Water is one of the most important natural resources without which humans cannot survive. Although efforts have been geared toward ensuring an adequate water supply, potable water shortages continue to persist. This paper, therefore, analyses water demand at a local scale to enhance policymakers’ ability to make informed decisions on water demand management. The paper specifically probes the influence of demographic and socio-economic factors on household water demand in Ngamiland District of Botswana. Informed by neo-classical economic theory of supply and demand, a cross-sectional survey of 497 households was undertaken in Maun and Gumare villages. Household survey data collection was done using interview schedules and key informant interviews. The results revealed that gender showed a positive association with household’s monthly water demand, (X2 = 14.961; ρ < 0.05). The result of Spearman’s rank correlation test showed that household income and household size were the significant determinants of water demand. Household size was found to be the most variable influencing demand at a significant but moderate positive correlation with monthly water demand, rs = 0.422 and ρ < 0.05. The paper argues that policymakers might take into consideration the socio-economic parameters, which have a significant influence on water use and demand to implement proper demand management strategies.