Water Access Interventions and School Attendance in Sudanese Village Schools: A Five-Year Evaluation

Water scarcity is a significant challenge in many African communities, particularly affecting school attendance rates through its impact on hygiene and health. A qualitative study design was employed to collect data from interviews conducted with parents, teachers, and students in selected villages. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Water access interventions led to a significant increase of 20% in school attendance rates among primary school children compared to pre-intervention levels. The findings suggest that improved water access positively impacts the health and hygiene practices of students, thereby enhancing their academic engagement. Further research should explore long-term effects and potential scalability of these interventions across other regions with similar challenges.