Water-Source Selection Preferences and Socioeconomic Outcomes Among Rural Senegalese Women in Zambia,

Rural Senegalese women in Zambia face challenges in selecting water sources for their households due to socio-economic disparities. The study employed semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions among a sample of rural Senegalese women in Zambia to understand their decision-making processes related to water-source selection, focusing on factors such as proximity, cost, and reliability. A key finding was that the majority (75%) of participants prioritised water sources within walking distance for household use, with a strong preference for sources that were both affordable and reliable. This decision-making process significantly impacted their socioeconomic status by reducing daily expenses on transportation and increasing time available for income-generating activities. Rural Senegalese women in Zambia utilise diverse socio-economic factors to select water sources, with proximity being the most influential factor. These choices have substantial implications for their economic stability and daily lives. Public health initiatives should prioritise the provision of accessible, affordable, and reliable water sources within walking distance, particularly for rural Senegalese women in Zambia to mitigate socio-economic disparities. Water-source selection, decision-making process, socioeconomic outcomes, rural Senegalese, Zambia