CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0. Research context

Household water insecurity Experience and their perceived determinant in a low-income community of cartogena, Colombia, during a water services expansion project (lemaitre et al 2023) .Water is an essential nutrients and psychosocial well-being. A critical components for agricultural production and livestock husbandry and hold significant implications in addressing gender equality and promoting optimal growth and development of children (Mercy Corps 2009) approximately 630million people globally lack access to safety managed sanitation services. Household water insecurity the ability to access and benefits from adequate, reliable and safe water for well-being and a healthy life affect billion of people globally, but until recently, there were few metrics that could facilitate it’s house hold level monitoring and evaluation ( Jepson et al 2017;Wutich et al. 2017)Fresh water availability has traditionally been reported at the community, watershed or national level using resources-based metrics that assess fresh water availability at larger geographic scales ( Octavianti & staddon 2021)

A country like Cameroon with sufficient fresh water availability ( ranked 49thout of 182countries in terms of abundant water supply) only reported that 47%of its rural population as having access to safe water in 2010.

 In many major US cities, water rates are unaffordable for low-income household, putting people at risk of water service shutoff (Teodora, 2018). In Canada, one in five first Nation communities are on a boil water advisory at any given time (Black and Bean, 2018).

The United Nation (UN) in 2010 declared access to water on human rights. The volume of 50literes of water was set as the minimum amount per capita per day to lead a healthy and activate life. Nevertheless, for around 30% of people worldwide, access to clean drinking water remain a daily struggle, especially for those living in developing countries.

Sustainable development goals 6 ( SDG6) directly intersect with the challenges of household water insecurity Experience as it ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all ( United Nation 2015) the specific target within SDG6 align with addressing household water insecurity.

Target 6.1 safe and affordable drinking water. In which sustainable development six addressing the need for universal access to safe and affordable. Drinking water, directly targeting the lack of reliable and clean water sources that contribute to water insecurity in households (United Nation, 2015)

 By focusing on improved access to adequate and equitable sanitation and Hygiene for all, this target directly addresses challenges related to proper sanitation facilities and their impact on house hold water related diseases and hygiene practices (United Nation 2015)

Recognizing the role of water in promoting economy peace and health the reduction of water insecurity status milestone agreement such as the Agenda of 2030 sustainable Development Goal (United Nation Department of Economics and social Affairs 2015)

In poor setting countries, multiple water sources are often selected based on their pre- established use, with high-quality and generally distant water sources devoted to drinking and cooking, whereas nearby shallow Wells or surface water are used for bathing, Laundry and cleaning.

At the individual level, water represents approximately 60%of the body weight and performs several physiological functions such as digestion, thermoregulation, waste elimination and lubrication of joint and organs. But because the human body does not produce enough water from metabolism, adequate water intake that is 3.7liters/day for men and 2.7liters /day for women is critical in maintaining an ideal body hydration status.

Health organization’s metric of “access to an improved water sources” suggests that water insecurity is far more pervasive than official estimates suggest, particularly in low and middle income countries (Satherthwaite 2016, 2003, Ngan-yanyuka et al 2014, onda et al 2012, wescoat et al 2007) .Reliable access to water and sewer services is nevertheless a requisite for human development and well-being (Gerick 1998) 

In both local and global areas, researchers have grappled with such infrastructure violence (Rodger and O’Neill 2012) by shedding light on the plight of the water insecure,. The household water insecurity Experience scale (Young et al. 2019) evolved out of a long process of re- casting the water insecurity concept such that it serves the goal of equitability and the needs of people.

The Global household water insecurity study at the North-western University launched in 2017, identifies household with high, medium and low water insecurity using the Household water insecurity Experience scale (HWISE) it is currently implemented as a cross-culturally validated tools in 23 low and middle income countries.

In the North West provinces of Cameroon, only 44%of the population had access to clean water in 2004(WHO, 2006). The rest of the province’s 1.2million people consume contaminated water and were infected with water borne disease. Death from water borne diseases are generally the outcome of dehydration from loss of electrolytes through vomiting or diarrhoea (Fonyuy 2014, Ako at al,2009 Awah et al,2013) public health expert acknowledge that “cholera remains a public health concern particularly in the developing countries with lack or inadequate supply of potable water and poor hygiene.

Household water insecurity Experience manifesting mostly in communities and household especially. The demand for water for human consumption, sanitation, power, industry, agriculture and livestock and other uses due to fast rate of population growth. This study therefore aim at assessing Household water insecurity Experience in Bamenda III sub-Division

1.2Presentation of the Study Area

1.2.1. Location of Bamenda III Sub- Division

They Bamenda III council coincides with the Bamenda III subdivisional. It is bounded to the East by Tubah Municipality to the South by Bamenda I municipality to the west by Bamenda IIIMunicipality to the North by Bafut Municipality. Bamenda III is located between latitude 6⁰15and 6⁰25N and longitude 10⁰02 and 10⁰15E of the Green which Meridian (Figure 1.2). Bamenda III council is the gateway to and from the Division of Boyo, Ngobkentanja, Bui and Donga mantung. It is an important transit for passengers and goods to and from the Northwest regions. Bamenda IIIis linked to the Northwest region by the Bamenda-Kumbo highway, Bamenda-Fundong highway, Bamenda-Wum and Bamenda-Mamfe highways. To the west is the Bamenda-Bafoussam highway. The total surface area of Bamenda is 22.9km2hectares and its estimated population stand at 105.244 (according to projection by CAMGIs in minimum Urban local development scheme (SMAUL February 2008)

Figure 1.2: location of Bamenda III sub-Division in Mezam

1.2.1 Physical setting of Bamenda III Sub – Division

1.2.1.1 Climate

The Bamenda IIIcouncil area show great ecological variation and consequently climate variation. This greatly influenced settlement patterns and agricultural activaties . The type of climate found here is the Guinea-Savanna climate. The climate is marked by two distinct seasons. The dry and rainy season. The rainy season usually begins around March to mid-October. The rainfall ranges between 200 to 3000mm per annum. The dry season is usually from October to February. The night are very cold while the days are very hot. The annual average temperature hardly exceed 190c strong winds and heavy clouds cover characterize the area. Heavy clouds usually descend from the hills and during such occurrence visibility is very poor.

1.2.1.2 Relief

The Bamenda III council area shows a wide variety in it’s relief with altitude ranging from 1300m and 2600m above sea. Characteristic features include many hills with gentle to steep slopes. Most of the high altitude part of the municipality constitute most of the Bamenda Escarpment which give rise to fascinating waterfall and breath- taking arrangements of rocks for example the water fall in sisia1 and IV. The Escarpment gives the municipality a unique touristic potential.

1.2.1.3 Hydrology

The Bamenda III Municipality is drained by several rivers, stream and springs. Some of the main rivers include Nki Ndimunwere , Nki lepakan, Nki wasung, Nki meluf, Nki Ntse, flinkibong, Nki Tohntah, Nki Maishife,Nki mengwee, Nki chichi . They have various uses for laundry, cooking, drinking, car washing, construction of houses and irrigation ( market gardening) interestingly some of them are equally used as boundaries between some of the chiefdom and quarters. There are also beautiful waterfalls found on the mountain sloped especially during rainy season. A very significant case here is the waterfall Ndah village where from the name of Ndah is derived as a result of the fact that the fall divides as it flows down hills

1.2.1.5 Vegetation

The vegetation of Bamenda III sub- Division is largely determined by the availability of water. In which the area is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture and support the growth of variety types including forests, grassland and agricultural crops such as vegetable. Forests are an important vegetation types in the area, providing habitat for wildlife and supporting the local ecosystem. Overall, the vegetation in Bamenda III sub-Division plays a crucial role in supporting the local environment and economy.

1.3 Statement of Research Problems

Household water insecurity experiences a significant issue in Bamenda III sub-Division, as many residents lack access to safe and reliable water sources. This can lead to a variety of negative impacts on health, education, and economic opportunities. Many households in the area rely on unsafe water sources such as rivers and streams, which can lead to waterborne diseases and other health issues. Additionally, the time and effort required to collect water can limit access to education and economic opportunities, particularly for women and girls. Household water insecurity   experiencein Bamenda III subdivision requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government and community-led initiatives, as well as technological innovation and sustainable water management practices.

The impacts of water insecurity in Bamenda III sub- Divisioncan be significant and far-reaching. Some of the potential impacts include increased risk of waterborne diseases, reduced access to education and economic opportunities, and decreased quality of life. Water insecurity can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as reduced biodiversity and ecosystem degradation. i water insecurity is crucial for ensuring a better quality of life for individuals and communities, as well as for promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment in Bamenda III sub-Division

In which to attaining water security in Bamenda III sub-Division, particularly due to inadequate water infrastructure, pollution and climate change. In which water scarcity could cause factors such as drought, overuse of water resources, and poor water management practices. In which inadequate infrastructure in Bamenda III sub-Division has led to issues such as leaky pipes and inadequate sanitation systems, which can contribute to water pollution and health issues. In which climate change can also exacerbate water scarcity and pollution issues, as well as lead to more frequent and severe natural disasters such as Floods and drought. In which it requires sustainable water management practices in Bamenda III sub-Division.