Gaining perspective : addressing the role of local perceptions of water quality and the associated health risks in reducing vulnerability to water insecurity : the case of the Gambia

Abstract

Water quality is a crucial element in ensuring a water-secure world. In many developing countries, poor quality or contaminated drinking water is a major source of water related illness, which leads to millions of preventable deaths each year. Perceptions play an important role in decision-making behaviour and as such are key determinants of consumption. The perception of drinking water quality and of water-related health risks can therefore be an important factor in disease contraction and transmission. This research examined the role of local perceptions of water quality and the associated health risks in reducing vulnerability to water insecurity. A documentary search of the existing data was done to obtain secondary sources of information pertaining to the research topic—with a special focus on The Gambia, West Africa. A qualitative approach to primary data collection was facilitated by the interview technique, which took place in fourteen different communities, located in two separate regions of the country—one primarily urban and the other rural. At present, due to financial and logistical constraints there is no efficient means of large-scale water quality monitoring, which hinders water security in The Gambia. Disparities in wealth, access to financial resources, location, traditional practices and seasonal variation were noted as impediments to water security. It was concluded that a lack of resources, knowledge and awareness were important factors with respect to water-related health issues. Thus, a need for an efficient means of large-scale water quality monitoring as well as a water-related education program was determined. Perception analysis was recommended as an important tool to be used in locally adapted water resource management, as it could help to bridge the divide between decision-makers and the public. This would facilitate the accurate assessment of water security as well as the necessary management techniques to be implemented.