Reducing rural poverty through multiple-use water services: the women’s perspective in north-western Ghana

Abstract

Globally, poverty reduction has remained prominent in the development agenda of donors, governments and civil society organisations. Various strategies have been employed by these stakeholders to reduce poverty especially in rural areas of the developing world. Historically, although water provision has received much attention, integrating multiple-use water systems in the design and implementation was less emphasised. This paper presents findings on a case study that was conducted in three communities in north-western Ghana where multiple water use systems have been provided with the aim of alleviating poverty, especially among women. The main methods used in gathering data include focus group discussion, household survey and interviews. The study established that the provision of water facilities has had several social benefits. In terms of economic activities, the women have been empowered to actively engage in multiple income streams. Despite the benefits from the water facilities, marginalisation of women as regard the facility in one of the communities poses a threat to the sustainability and poverty reduction efforts. This can be overcome with the intervention of the District Assembly who has oversight responsibility over development interventions in the area.