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Adaptive Strategies for Meeting Domestic Water Supply Shortage in Southwestern Nigeria
Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment · Area of research: Environmental Planning
Abstract
Domestic water supply shortages remain a major challenge to household water security in Southwestern Nigeria, where inadequate infrastructure, seasonal variability, poor water quality, affordability constraints and weak institutional capacity have increased reliance on alternative water sources. This study examined the adaptive strategies adopted by households, communities and institutions for meeting domestic water supply shortages in Akure, Abeokuta and Ibadan, with a view to promoting sustainable domestic water supply in Southwestern Nigeria. A mixed-method research design was adopted, involving household surveys, field observations, water-quality assessment and institutional investigations. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while selected physicochemical parameters were assessed against permissible standards. Findings revealed that only 20.2% of households relied on piped and motorised water systems, whereas 52.8% depended on self-dug wells. Affordability was a major determinant of water-source selection, while only 37.2% of respondents considered their existing adaptive strategies successful. Water shortages were predominantly seasonal, with the dry season constituting the most critical period. Water-quality assessment also revealed elevated nitrate, conductivity and total dissolved solids in some sources, while a considerable proportion of households did not treat water obtained from alternative sources. City-specific challenges were evident, including high dependence on rivers and streams in Abeokuta, pronounced water-quality and accessibility challenges in Akure, and significant seasonal and affordability constraints in Ibadan. The study concludes that existing household adaptations are largely coping mechanisms rather than sustainable solutions. It recommends rehabilitation of public water infrastructure, expansion of solar-powered boreholes, promotion of rainwater harvesting, improved water-quality management, equitable water tariffs and strengthened community participation to achieve sustainable domestic water security in Southwestern Nigeria.
Keywords
Domestic water supply; water shortage; adaptation strategies; household water security; Southwestern Nigeria
How to cite this paper
@article{1722407,
author = {Moturayo Caroline Ola-Omole, Ayo Emmanuel Olajuyigbe, Olukayode Olawumi Rotowa},
title = {Adaptive Strategies for Meeting Domestic Water Supply Shortage in Southwestern Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {3688-3695},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722407.pdf},
abstract = {Domestic water supply shortages remain a major challenge to household water security in Southwestern Nigeria, where inadequate infrastructure, seasonal variability, poor water quality, affordability constraints and weak institutional capacity have increased reliance on alternative water sources. This study examined the adaptive strategies adopted by households, communities and institutions for meeting domestic water supply shortages in Akure, Abeokuta and Ibadan, with a view to promoting sustainable domestic water supply in Southwestern Nigeria. A mixed-method research design was adopted, involving household surveys, field observations, water-quality assessment and institutional investigations. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while selected physicochemical parameters were assessed against permissible standards. Findings revealed that only 20.2% of households relied on piped and motorised water systems, whereas 52.8% depended on self-dug wells. Affordability was a major determinant of water-source selection, while only 37.2% of respondents considered their existing adaptive strategies successful. Water shortages were predominantly seasonal, with the dry season constituting the most critical period. Water-quality assessment also revealed elevated nitrate, conductivity and total dissolved solids in some sources, while a considerable proportion of households did not treat water obtained from alternative sources. City-specific challenges were evident, including high dependence on rivers and streams in Abeokuta, pronounced water-quality and accessibility challenges in Akure, and significant seasonal and affordability constraints in Ibadan. The study concludes that existing household adaptations are largely coping mechanisms rather than sustainable solutions. It recommends rehabilitation of public water infrastructure, expansion of solar-powered boreholes, promotion of rainwater harvesting, improved water-quality management, equitable water tariffs and strengthened community participation to achieve sustainable domestic water security in Southwestern Nigeria.},
keywords = {Domestic water supply; water shortage; adaptation strategies; household water security; Southwestern Nigeria},
month = {August},
}