Groundwater situation in Tanzania: Experiences from Mbarali district in Mbeya region
Loading...
Date
2018-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mkwawa University College of Education
Abstract
This chapter examines groundwater situation in selected villages in rural areas of Mbarali District where drinking water infrastructures for domestic use are poor and or lacking. The study adopted sequential exploratory research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The sample size, randomly selected, was 90 groundwater users and 50% were women. Descriptive statistics, one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis and independent T-test were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The results show that 66.7% of the respondents depend on the groundwater (deep wells) for domestic use. This was influenced by the perception that groundwater was clean or was the only source available. The mean distance from a household to a groundwater source was 249.50 metres. The variation, in terms of distance from households to the groundwater source between the villages, was significant at 5%. In addition, the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of the household heads and the amount of groundwater used was generally weak. The socio-economic characteristics involved were household heads' education level, household size, household annual income and distance from home to the groundwater source. The study concludes that groundwater was critical and dependable in supporting households' livelihoods. It is therefore pertinent, at a policy level, to enhance groundwater infrastructure development at the local level so long as surface water is dwindling. In addition, the question of groundwater governance in terms of groundwater quality, institutional structures and legal and policy issues worth an investigation to ensure sustainability of the groundwater resources.
Description
The book chapter is appropriate for students and teachers
Keywords
Groundwater, Accessibility, Usage, Challenges, Mbarali, Mbeya, Tanzania
Citation
Gudaga, J.L., Kabote, S.J., Tarimo, A.K.P.R and Mosha, D.B (2018). Groundwater Situation in Tanzania: Experiences from Mbarali District in Mbeya Region in: Development in East Africa Environment and Economy (edited by Jerzy Gilarowski). Mkwawa University College of Education, Iringa. Pp. 263-295.