Factors influencing women's participation in water supply decisions in Kenya: a case of Kimilili-Bungoma District
Abstract
This study set out to investigate the factors influencing women's participation in water supply decisions in Kimilili - Bungoma district such as; culture and traditions, illiteracy, financial resources / poverty, time and distance to water points. Weinberger (2002). Different studies have been done in different parts of the world in regard to women and water supply as indicated in the literature review of this study, yet they have all failed to raise the issue of gender in water supply decisions.
This study sought to investigate and find out if what other researchers' findings and the above factors are true to Kimilili - Bungoma district in Western province. The study population consisted of 149 respondents whereby one (1) was a district water officer, seventy four (74) water committee members and seventy four (74) community members served by the thirty seven water points in Kimilili district. Perceived conceptual framework was used in the study. A questionnaire and an interview schedule was used for data collection and the received data was arranged, summarized and analyzed descriptively.
It was described using, ratios, tables, frequencies and percentages. Words were used to explain the meaning of the data and conclusions were made as follows : most women have minimal participation in water supply decisions due to culture and traditions, economic constraints and low educational background and lack of training in water management. However distance and time have minimal influence on women's participation in the water supply decisions. The findings of this data are expected to be utilized by the Ministry of Gender and Youths, Ministry of Health and sanitation, environmentalists, and water suppliers among others in ensuring that women are involved in all aspects of management and decision making as far as water supply is concerned.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya