Assessing Awareness and Challenges of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Practices among Rural Dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria
Keywords:
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Sources of water, Open defaecationAbstract
This study examines the awareness levels and obstacles related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices among rural residents in four Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Nigeria (Lagelu, Akinyele, Egbeda, and Ido). Employing a mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 600 participants to explore their socio-demographic profiles, water sources, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene behaviours. Results indicate that wells serve as the primary drinking water source for 65% of households, while 41.2% of respondents resort to open defaecation due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Although 93.7% of participants engage in WASH practices, primarily focusing on personal hygiene, 57.7% encounter significant challenges, such as water scarcity (60.7%), limited financial resources, and absent toilet facilities. Seasonal variations in water availability and minimal water treatment practices further compound these issues. Despite widespread recognition of WASH’s role in promoting health, deficiencies in infrastructure and education persist. The study advocates for community-driven advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and training programs on water treatment to improve WASH conditions and mitigate waterborne disease risks in these rural areas.
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