Gender Access to Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene in Rural Communities in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) has become a prevalent issue in Nigeria. Many communities lack WASH facilities in the country. Women in Nigeria are responsible for WASH. To ensure WASH in the family, women depend directly on the availability of WASH facilities in the communities. Despite the important roles women play in ensuring WASH in the house, they face various challenges. These challenges call for research. Therefore, this study examines gender and WASH and adopted a mix methodology. A total of 1,300 participants responded to the household survey questions, 480 participated in the focus group discussion and 60 key informants were interviewed. Purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for household survey, FGD and KII. Questionnaire, interview and direct observation were utilized in collecting data. Findings of the study revealed that cultural practices, education, gender inequalities, poor access to WASH services/facilities, low level of awareness, lack of sustainability of existing WASH facilities and lack of capacity of agencies was responsible for poor gender access to WASH services. The study recommended that more women development programs on WASH should be formulated and implemented rural Nigeria. Also, there is need to build the capacity of CSOs/NGOs to strategically provide WASH services.