Water Access and Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: A Case of Elementaita Division in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed water factors that impact sustainable rural livelihoods in Elementaita Division, Nakuru County. Problem of water access remains a multi-million challenge for families in rural areas and this had to be explained in scientific research through assessing water issues that affect the livelihoods. Households remain far from water projects despite interventions that governments, NGOs and other agencies have put in place. The study had the following objectives; assess water access factors and its impact on sustainable rural livelihoods, evaluate management of water projects and determine how it impacts on sustainable livelihoods and to determine how socio-economic factors of water impact rural livelihoods in Elementaita Division. The study used sustainable livelihood framework in its analysis and establishing what areas of interventions would be considered for the study. This includes looking at assets, capital, livelihood strategies, institutional processes and vulnerability context. This was a descriptive survey and questionnaires were generated on related areas of study. Sampling for household was carried out through systematic sampling. The study targeted a sample 195 household heads, 1 water users association also a Key Informant Interview (KII) was carried out with District Water Officer (DWO) and District Public Health Officer (DPHO). Data was carried collected using questionnaires, interviews and supplemented through secondary data. Data was analysed using inferential statistics by use of descriptive statistics. The findings were presented in tables using tables. From the findings water availability, quality and affordability determine the level of households assets in the community thereby impact negatively or positively. Over 98% of the respondents reported that children walk long distances or do not attend school in order to fetch water for the households, this impact negatively on their mental and physical development as well as their education. There is need to carry out awareness on the implication of using water of poor quality in the community as it may have adverse health effects on the lives of the community. Increasing awareness levels on rain water harvesting by the community need to be enhanced to improve on quality of water. Parents should also ensure that their children access education and not engage in child labour. The findings and recommendations of the study are important to Ministry of Water, researchers, all stakeholders and the community of Elementaita Division and Nakuru County in enhancing water access and addressing some of the challenges identified.