EFFECTS OF WASH INTERVENTIONS ON ACCES TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION PRACTICES IN THE LAWRA AND NANDOM DISTRICTS OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study assesses Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in the Lawra and Nandom Districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The objectives included the examination of the type of WASH interventions programme in the two districts; the effects of WASH intervention on water usage among households; the factors that influence the adoption of WASH recommendations among households as well as examine the willingness of households to pay for improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. Descriptive survey research design was used. The questionnaires and interview guide were complemented with focus group discussions. A sample size of 230 respondents was adopted for the study. Probability and nonprobability sampling techniques were used to define the scope of the field work. In the selection of communities for the programme in both districts for the study, purposive sampling technique was used. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Boreholes were identified to be the main source of drinking water while pit latrine was the most commonly used latrine facility in both districts. The research revealed that among factors that influenced the adoption of WASH recommended practices, community participation was the most predominant. Other factors that influenced the adoption of WASH recommended practices in the study area included one’s income or educational level and information on WASH practices. With regards to willingness to pay for improved water and sanitation services or facilities, many households were willing to pay but could not afford. In order to reduce crowding and distance covered by households in carting water from source to the house more boreholes should be constructed. Sanitation officers must intensify campaigns on the need to keep the latrine facilities neat. It is also recommended that community participation in the execution of projects must be increased. As many households could not afford to pay for improved services the district assemblies should consider granting subsidies to community members in respect of services aimed at improving access to improved facilities