Population Growth and Water Distribution for Sustainable Development in Birnin Kebbi Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Water supply is the provision of water from different sources, such as public utilities, commercial organizations and community vendors usually via a system of pumps and pipes. Water is essential to life everywhere. Despite the necessity of water, the natural systems that allow water to be cleaned, maintained, and distributed are fragile and sensitive to changes. These natural systems are disrupted due to human activity and overuse. As the global population continues to grow the need for clean water increases. From a macro perspective, the paper looks at the nature and extent of population growth and water supply in Kebbi State, with a focus on Birnin Kebbi. At the micro level, an analysis of the water supply chain in Birnin Kebbi urban area, focusing on distribution, sources, quantity and quality received by the inhabitants. A descriptive method was employed in the analysis of data obtained from both primary and secondary sources. A total of 61 questionnaires were designed and administered to the sample respondents selected using Yamane’s formula. The study participants include both male and female age 15-55 years. Tables, charts, frequencies and simple percentages were used to show the findings. The result indicates various sources and level of water supply in the study area. This includes sources of water, frequency of supply, and water needs of the people. The findings revealed that majority (72.1%) of the respondents obtained water from the tap, while only 8.2% procured water from community water vendors. In terms of water need and adequacy, the study discovered more half (50.8%) of the survey participants had sufficient water and 49.2% have not. The study therefore, concludes that there is adequate and uneven distribution of water within the study area, irrespective of the sources and availability of it. However, in other to ensure sustainable development, the study recommends that the government should take the advantage of the abundant sunlight resources of the area, to provide modern solar-powered boreholes to the underserved communities, this will carter for the increasing urbanization being experienced in the area.