Toward tackling urban water scarcity: linking risk, vulnerability adaptive capacity and adaptation at household level

Abstract

This study examined vulnerability and adaptation to water scarcity in three towns located within three rainfall zones of Katsina state, Nigeria, using a questionnaire survey of 360 households, which was complimented with FGD and field-based observations, and use of vulnerability assessment indices. The results showed that the households are generally experiencing high vulnerability to water scarcity. The vulnerability is increasing from the south to the northern rainfall zones of the state. The households employ multiple strategies in adapting to water scarcity. The strategies employed, however, vary clearly among the households and between the three rainfall zones. Demand-side adaptation strategies are the ones being employed most, with fewer households employing supply-side management strategies. The key factors limiting adaptation to water scarcity in the areas were technological, social, economic and political/institutional in nature. Suggestions were made toward evolving an integrated approach for improved water scarcity adaptation in the area.