A Multi-Source Analysis of Water Supply Challenges in Offa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

In many developing countries, ensuring safe and reliable water access remains a critical challenge. This study focuses on Offa Local Government Area (LGA) in Kwara State, Nigeria, investigating water sources and supply conditions. The research employed a combination of questionnaires, interviews, and water level measurements to assess resident experiences and identify water availability issues. Over a nine-month period from July 2022 to April 2023, daily readings of water depth were taken twice for 150 accessible wells in the study area. Additionally, measurements of total well depth and well diameters were recorded once. These data formed the basis for computing other well characteristics, including depth of water and volume of well water. Subsequently, data on groundwater use and associated problems were collected using random sampling theory and questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, sampling techniques, binomial probability theory, and regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. The results indicate abundant groundwater in the study area, tapped to meet people’s water requirements. However, water shortages, particularly during the dry season, stem from the shallow nature of the wells. To address these challenges, repairing non-functional boreholes and increasing well sinking efforts during the dry period would ensure adequate water supply, prevent contamination, and minimize disruptions associated with water facilities