ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY IN THE RURAL AREAS USING WATER POVERTY INDEX (WPI); A CASE OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN OYO STATE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The understanding of water supply situation at various levels calls for a comprehensive investigation into the components that affect the supply of this resource if sustainable access will be realized. The investigation carried out applies Water Poverty index method to analyze the status of water supply situation in the rural areas of Oyo state, Nigeria. WPI revealed thar both surface and subsurface water resources are generally available and reliable with scores ranging from 2.7 to in Itesiwaju LGA and 15.93 in Akinyele LGA. However, accessed component ranges from 2.72 in Itesiwaju LGA and 14.2 in Atisbo LGA; Capacity component scores ranges between 1.33 in Surulere LGA and 6.47 in Ogo-Oluwa LGA; Water Use Component ranges between 0.80 in Surulere LGA and 7.94 in Atisbo LGA and Environment Component score reanges between 0.00 in both Oyo East and Lagelu LGAs and, 3.18 in Atisbo LGA, all out of the highest obtainable score of 20 for each component. The overall Index ranges between 1.29 in Itesiwaju LGA and 47.89 in Atisbo LGA. This implies a generally water poor situation despite the evidence of resource availability. WPI tool revealed those areas that need prompt attention in order to achieve sustainable water supply.