The Effect of Water Shortage on Households Well-being in Kigali City: A Case Study of Kicukiro District (2019-2022)

This research investigated the effect of water shortage on households' well-being in Kicukiro District, Kigali City, Rwanda. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The study in Kicukiro District includes a target population of 130,112 households. Employing Slovin's formula, the sample size was 398 respondents whom were selected using both stratified and purposive which are probability sampling and purposive and non-probability sampling method respectively. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires with Likert scales, administered to 386 households and 12 WASAC staff households were given semi-structured interviews by which the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics Pearson correlation and regression analysis) were used to examine the relationships between water shortage and household well-being. Therefore, the results reveal significant concerns regarding water shortage-related issues in Kicukiro, with respondents showing high agreement levels. Key concerns include regional disparities (mean = 3.780, SD = 0.795), climate variability (mean = 4.140, SD = 0.656), and urbanization (mean = 4.350, SD = 0.603). Household well-being is strongly associated with water availability, sanitation, and hygiene, with mean scores indicating critical importance (reliable water sources, mean = 4.010, SD = 0.824). Correlation analysis shows moderate to strong positive relationships between water accessibility and various well-being factors. Regression analyses highlight the significant positive impact of water availability on hygiene (B = 0.596, p < 0.001), sanitation (B = 0.499, p < 0.001), quality of life (B = 0.278, p < 0.001), and reduction of waterborne diseases (B = 0.996, p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the relationship between water scarcity and household well-being in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Hence, urgent interventions are needed to address water infrastructure challenges, promote community engagement, and improve hygiene practices. This study recommends prioritizing water infrastructure development, fostering community participation, promoting hygiene education, and enhancing healthcare services in order to safeguard the health and improve the overall well-being of residents of Kicukiro District, Rwanda.