HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY AMONG THE PEOPLE OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AREA OF BRONO STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a critical determinant of health, yet inadequate water supply remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. Water is essential for human survival and plays a pivotal role in hygiene, food preparation, and sanitation. However, in Nigeria, millions of people, especially those in rural and low-income urban areas, lack access to safe drinking water, leading to widespread health problems (Adewumi, 2020). According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), about 70 million Nigerians are deprived of basic access to water, contributing to the prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea (UNICEF, 2023). Historically, Nigeria's water infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the growing population, rapid urbanization, and the effects of climate change. The water supply system is characterized by limited coverage, poor maintenance, and inefficient management (Aremu, 2019). The lack of investment in infrastructure, coupled with weak governance and corruption in the water sector, has further exacerbated the issue, leading to significant gaps in access to potable water (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Inadequate water supply not only hinders individual well-being but also impairs broader social and economic development. Communities without reliable access to water are often trapped in cycles of poverty and poor health, as water scarcity affects agricultural productivity, industry, and education (Odumosu & Akintunde, 2021).

A major consequence of this inadequate water supply is the proliferation of waterborne diseases, which contribute to the high burden of disease in Nigeria. The WHO reports that diseases related to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and hygiene account for over 70% of the disease burden in Nigeria (WHO, 2022). Cholera outbreaks, in particular, are a recurring public health emergency in various regions of the country, with outbreaks frequently associated with periods of heavy rainfall, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water (Adesina et al., 2020). In rural areas, where infrastructure is especially lacking, many residents rely on unsafe water sources such as streams, ponds, and unprotected wells (Ojo & Folarin, 2021). This situation is compounded by inadequate sanitation facilities, which further contaminates available water sources, exacerbating health risks (Ajayi et al., 2020). Women and children are often the most affected by water scarcity, as they bear the burden of fetching water from distant sources, leading to significant time loss that could otherwise be invested in education or economic activities (UNICEF, 2023). Urban areas also face significant water challenges. Rapid urbanization and population growth have outpaced the capacity of water supply systems in cities, leading to intermittent and unreliable water access (Adewumi, 2020). As a result, many households are forced to rely on expensive water vendors or unsafe water sources. This situation is particularly critical in slums and informal settlements, where residents are disproportionately affected by inadequate water and sanitation services (Odumosu & Akintunde, 2021).

Moreover, the effects of climate change have further aggravated Nigeria's water crisis. Increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts are placing additional pressure on already limited water resources (Aremu, 2019). These climate-related challenges not only reduce the availability of freshwater but also increase the risk of contamination of existing water supplies, further compromising public health.

 International organizations like UNICEF and the WHO, alongside the Nigerian government, have launched various initiatives aimed at increasing access to clean water and improving sanitation and hygiene practices (UNICEF, 2023). However, significant barriers remain, including insufficient funding, political instability, and a lack of community involvement in water management programs (Ajayi et al., 2020).  Therefore, the researcher sought to investigate the Health problems related to inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Inadequate water supply is a persistent and critical challenge in Nigeria, directly impacting the health and well-being of its population. Despite various efforts to improve water access, millions of Nigerians continue to lack access to clean and safe drinking water, leading to numerous health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water scarcity and contamination are closely linked to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever (WHO, 2022). These diseases contribute significantly to the country's high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly (UNICEF, 2023). In rural and urban areas alike, inadequate infrastructure for water distribution forces many communities to rely on unsafe water sources, such as rivers, ponds, and wells, which are often contaminated with harmful pathogens and chemicals (Adejumo & Olutola, 2021). This situation is exacerbated by rapid urbanization, climate change, and poor governance, all of which hinder sustainable water resource management in Nigeria (Oyebode et al., 2020). The health implications of inadequate water supply are not limited to waterborne diseases but also extend to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Without reliable access to water, proper handwashing, food preparation, and household hygiene become difficult, further elevating the risk of infections and other health complications (WHO, 2022). This problem disproportionately affects low-income families and marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and health inequities (UNICEF, 2023). Hence, the study investigate the Health problems related to inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the Health problems related to inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of Borno state, Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess factors responsible for the inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area.

Identify the impact of inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area.

Investigate the health problems related to inadequate water supply among  the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area.

Proffer recommendations aimed at improving water supply infrastructure in Maiduguri metropolitan council Area.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the factors responsible for the inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area?

What is the impact of inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area?

What are the health problems related to inadequate water supply among  the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area?

What are the recommendations aimed at improving water supply infrastructure in Maiduguri metropolitan council Area?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings  of the study is significant as it can serve as a valuable resource for government bodies, policy-makers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in developing policies aimed at improving water access and sanitation. It can provide evidence-based recommendations for revising national water policies, prioritizing water infrastructure investment, and addressing governance issues in the water sector.

Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future academic researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on  health problems related to inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of Borno state, Nigeria. Empirically, the study will assess factors responsible for the inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area, identify the impact of inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area, investigate the health problems related to inadequate water supply among  the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area and  proffer recommendations aimed at improving water supply infrastructure in Maiduguri metropolitan council Area.

Geographcally, the study will be delimited to Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of Borno state, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Inadequate Water Supply: Refers to the insufficient availability of clean, safe, and accessible water for domestic, agricultural, or industrial use. It includes situations where water is either unavailable, contaminated, or not distributed efficiently.

Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are spread through contaminated water. Common examples include cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea.

Sanitation: The practices and infrastructure used to ensure hygienic conditions, especially through services such as waste disposal and wastewater treatment. Inadequate sanitation is linked to the spread of diseases due to unclean environments.

Public Health: The science and practice of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, and individuals. In this context, it relates to the health problems resulting from insufficient water supply.

Climate Change: Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns caused by natural forces and human activities. It affects water supply by influencing rainfall patterns and water availability.

Water Scarcity: A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply, often caused by environmental factors, population growth, or infrastructure limitations. It leads to a lack of sufficient water for drinking, sanitation, and other essential uses.

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