Navigating Water Scarcity and Poor Sanitation: A Mixed-Methods Study of Rural Livelihoods and Community Development in Agortime-Kpetoe, Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of water scarcity and inadequate sanitation on rural livelihoods and sustainable community development in Agortime-Kpetoe, a rural community located in Ghana’s Volta Region. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research combined structured questionnaires administered to 95 randomly selected households with a focus group discussion involving eight community members of varied socio-economic backgrounds. Quantitative findings revealed widespread reliance on streams, wells, and sachet water due to unreliable piped supply, with over 67% of respondents reporting that water scarcity disrupts children’s school attendance and 88% acknowledging that high water costs erode household disposable income. Sanitation access was similarly limited, with more than 60% of households depending on pit latrines and 62% admitting to open defecation practices. These deficits were strongly linked to frequent disease outbreaks, reduced productivity, and heightened poverty. Qualitative data highlighted the gendered burden of water collection and sanitation management, as women and girls bore the primary responsibility for fetching water, often at the expense of income-generating activities and educational opportunities. Participants also described pervasive safety risks and loss of dignity associated with inadequate sanitation facilities. The study concludes that while infrastructure exists in parts of the community, systemic challenges of reliability, affordability, and maintenance perpetuate water insecurity and poor sanitation. Addressing these issues requires integrated strategies that combine reliable infrastructure, community-driven management, behavior change interventions, and gender-sensitive policies. The findings contribute localized evidence to inform targeted interventions and underscore the critical role of water and sanitation in achieving broader development goals, including poverty reduction, health improvement, and gender equity.