| Abstract: | This study was conducted with a general purpose of assessing the role of water, sanitation and
hygiene in livelihood security of communities with emphasis on the challenges and opportunities
at Bora woreda in East Shewa zone of Oromia region. Alemtenais the capital town and is located
110 kilometers south of Addis Ababa along the main asphalt road to Awasa city.
Both primary and secondary sources were used for the study. Focus Group Discussion, household
surveys, observation method and key-informants interview were the instruments to collect data.
Household survey was conducted in three selected kebele administrations and 100 heads of
household representatives (43% women and 57% men) were interviewed. Three focus group
discussions were held with water committee members, elders, health Extension workers,
development agents and kebele administration officials.
About 35.8% of the respondents asserted that there were some changes in the livelihoods
((increased income 21.6% and increased productivity of livestock 14.2% ) following provision of
water supply interventions. Similarly, about 57.4% of the respondents’ asserted that the health of
family members have been significantly improved after they had began to use improved water
supply system. The findings from the discussion with FGD and key informants and personal
observation were in agreement with household survey results. Furthermore, the finding from
discussion with FGD, key informants, document review and observation spelled out that high
fluoride in groundwater is the major concern and requires further consideration.
The study had indicated that improved water and sanitation had significant impact on the well
being of the people and also the management of water supply system through involvement of
community during planning, implementation and monitoring.
The impact could include significant improvements in household income level and security of
livelihoods. Increased school attendance of children with better child care, social and cultural
benefits such as reductions in stress levels, increased status and self-esteem, better family and
community relations, and increased ability to observe religious rites and customs.
Involving community members in planning, monitoring and management of the projects brought
new insights into long term sustainability of water supply and sanitation systems. Understanding
the potential that water supply and sanitation projects can have on poor people’s lives underlines
the fact that access to safe water and sanitation is a precursor to any form of sustainable
development
The study hasidentified areas that need further intervention and research, including institutional
capacity building, maintenance and operation, strengthening of community involvement, selection
of appropriate technology, water quality and rainwater harvesting |
