Analysis of Factors Influencing Domestic Water Consumption in Karoi Town, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The current trends in water resources management underscore management of the resource as an economic good. Consequently, management strategies overlook demographic and social factors that influence domestic water consumption. Adopting water as an economic good conceptual framework, in a case study approach, a total of 120 household heads and two officials from Zimbabwe National Water Supply Authority (ZINWA) were selected in Karoi. While quantitative data were analysed using descriptive (frequency, percentages, etc.) and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA etc.), content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings revealed that while economic factors play a role in influencing domestic water consumption, demographic and social factors play equally the same in determining water consumption at the household level. The study recommends a further study to understand the role of demographic and socio-economic factors which affect water consumption.

Implications of the Urban Water and Food Systems Governance Nexus for Household Food Security in the City of Gweru, Zimbabwe

“…Most local authorities have bylaws concerning land distribution for formal activities but remain vague on water supply. The role of socio-economic factors in city water consumption and food production is under-researched (Gondo et al, 2020). Rainfed agriculture has been severely affected by climate change (Frischen et al, 2020); rainfall cannot sustain all-year-round food production in cities.…”