Development of a Hydrogeological Conceptual Model for Shallow Aquifers in the Data Scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin

Rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa commonly rely on shallow hand-dug wells and springs; consequently, shallow aquifers are an extremely important water source. Increased utilisation of shallow groundwater could help towards achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) by positively impacting poverty, hunger, and health. However, these shallow aquifers are little studied and poorly understood, partly due to a paucity of existing hydrogeological information in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study develops a hydrogeological conceptual model for Dangila woreda (district) in Northwest Ethiopia, based on extensive field investigations and implementation of a citizen science programme. Geological and water point surveys revealed a thin (3–18 m) weathered volcanic regolith aquifer overlying very low permeability basalt. Hydrochemistry suggested that deep groundwater within fractured and scoriaceous zones of the basalt is not (or is poorly) connected to shallow groundwater. Isotope analysis and well monitoring indicated shallow groundwater flow paths that are not necessarily coincident with surface water flow paths. Characteristics of the prevalent seasonal floodplains are akin to “dambos” that are well-described in literature for Southern Africa. Pumping tests, recharge assessments, and hydrometeorological analysis indicated the regolith aquifer shows potential for increased utilisation. This research is transferrable to the shallow volcanic regolith aquifers that overlie a substantial proportion of Ethiopia and are prevalent throughout the East African Rift and in several areas elsewhere on the continent.

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A metric-based assessment of flood risk and vulnerability of rural communities in the Lower Shire Valley, Malawi

Proceedings of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences ◽

10.5194/piahs-370-139-2015 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 370 ◽

pp. 139-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

A. J. Adeloye ◽

F. D. Mwale ◽

Z. Dulanya

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Spatial Variability ◽

Flood Risk ◽

Flood Hazard ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Adaptation Measures ◽

Flood Depth ◽

Inundation Area ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract. In response to the increasing frequency and economic damages of natural disasters globally, disaster risk management has evolved to incorporate risk assessments that are multi-dimensional, integrated and metric-based. This is to support knowledge-based decision making and hence sustainable risk reduction. In Malawi and most of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), however, flood risk studies remain focussed on understanding causation, impacts, perceptions and coping and adaptation measures. Using the IPCC Framework, this study has quantified and profiled risk to flooding of rural, subsistent communities in the Lower Shire Valley, Malawi. Flood risk was obtained by integrating hazard and vulnerability. Flood hazard was characterised in terms of flood depth and inundation area obtained through hydraulic modelling in the valley with Lisflood-FP, while the vulnerability was indexed through analysis of exposure, susceptibility and capacity that were linked to social, economic, environmental and physical perspectives. Data on these were collected through structured interviews of the communities. The implementation of the entire analysis within GIS enabled the visualisation of spatial variability in flood risk in the valley. The results show predominantly medium levels in hazardousness, vulnerability and risk. The vulnerability is dominated by a high to very high susceptibility. Economic and physical capacities tend to be predominantly low but social capacity is significantly high, resulting in overall medium levels of capacity-induced vulnerability. Exposure manifests as medium. The vulnerability and risk showed marginal spatial variability. The paper concludes with recommendations on how these outcomes could inform policy interventions in the Valley.

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GAP FILLERS OR PIONEERS: INFORMAL WATER SUPPLIERS IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF THE TECHIMAN MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

UDS International Journal of Development ◽

10.47740/562.udsijd6i ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 525-539

Author(s):

Lydia Kwoyiga

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Water Distribution ◽

Water Source ◽

Water Quality Monitoring ◽

Distribution Networks ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Formal Sector ◽

Public Provision ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Municipal Assembly

There is continuous expansion and growth of urban and peri urban areas in Sub-Saharan Africa with projections indicating that this will double. Some peri-urban areas such as those in the Techiman municipality of Ghana are experiencing this trend. Nonetheless, the spate of growth of these areas outstrips the supply of utilities by municipal water distribution networks. As a result, some areas have little or no public provision. In order to address the water supply challenge, places with favourable hydrological settings are witnessing the emergence of informal water suppliers as “gap fillers” or “pioneers”, providing water services. Noteworthy, however, existing studies about informal water suppliers in peri-urban areas in Ghana lump them together, without considering the water source. This study differs in that it specifically examines the evolution and the features of informal water suppliers who privately and independently abstract and supply groundwater. Additionally, it attempts to understand the nature of informality of the suppliers and the possibility of formalisation. The paper is an exploratory study using the case of private mechanised borehole operators who supply water in their respective areas. The findings showed that in some peri-urban areas in the Techiman municipality, some dwellers constructed and operated mechanised boreholes, which provide in-situ water and utilities to others. They are mostly pioneer water suppliers in some of the areas. Their services are informal by nature because they are largely independent of the formal sector and apply informal arrangements in rendering their services. Seen also as business enterprises, they are not licenced. However, the boreholes are registered with the Municipal Assembly, which indicated some level of formalisation. The study recommended that efforts to formalise them further should focus on improving water quality monitoring for consumption and promoting sustainable abstraction.

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Shallow groundwater in sub-Saharan Africa: neglected opportunity for sustainable intensification of small-scale agriculture?

10.5194/hess-2015-549 ◽

2016 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

John Gowing ◽

Geoff Parkin ◽

Nathan Forsythe ◽

David Walker ◽

Alemseged Tamiru Haile ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Groundwater Resources ◽

Climatic Variability ◽

Shallow Groundwater ◽

Sustainable Intensification ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Small Scale ◽

Groundwater Levels ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Small Scale Irrigation

Abstract. There is a need for an evidence-based approach to identify how best to support development of groundwater for small scale irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We argue that it is important to focus this effort on shallow groundwater resources which are most likely to be used by poor rural communities in SSA. However, it is important to consider constraints, since shallow groundwater resources are likely to be vulnerable to over-exploitation and climatic variability. We examine here the opportunities and constraints and draw upon evidence from Ethiopia. We present a methodology for assessing and interpreting available shallow groundwater resources and argue that participatory monitoring of local water resources is desirable and feasible. We consider possib le models for developing distributed small-scale irrigation and assess its technical feasibility. Because of power limits on water lifting and also because of available technology for well construction, groundwater at depths of 50 m or 60 m cannot be regarded as easily accessible for small-scale irrigation. We therefore adopt a working definition of shallow groundwater as < 20 m depth. This detailed case study in the Dangila woreda in Ethiopia explores the feasibility of exploiting shallow groundwater for small-scale irrigation over a range of rainfall conditions. Variability of rainfall over the study period (9 % to 96 % probability of non-exceedance) does not translate into equivalent variability in groundwater levels and river baseflow. Groundwater levels, monitored by local communities, persist into the dry season to at least the end of December in most shallow wells, indicating that groundwater is available for irrigation use after the cessation of the wet season. Arguments historically put forward against the promotion of groundwater use for agriculture in SSA on the basis that aquifers are unproductive and irrigation will have unacceptable impacts on wetlands and other groundwater-dependent ecosystems appear exaggerated. It would be unwise to generalise from this case study to the whole of SSA, but useful insights into the wider issues are revealed by the case study approach. We believe there is a case for arguing that shallow groundwater in sub-Saharan Africa represents a neglected opportunity for sustainable intensification of small-scale agriculture.

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Features of Rural Communities in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa That Influence Well-Being of Older Persons

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1622 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 420-421

Author(s):

Andrew Banda ◽

Norah Keating ◽

Jaco Hoffman ◽

Jose Parodi ◽

Nereide Curreri

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Latin America ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Older People ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Older Persons ◽

Subjective Wellbeing ◽

Well Being ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract In their recent volume, Critical Rural Gerontology, Skinner et al (2021) challenge us to set aside unidimensional notions of rural communities as bypassed vs very supportive; and to identify the elements of rurality that empower or exclude older people and how these differ across cultures and settings. Covid-19 has highlighted the need for safe and inclusive communities. Given that LMIC will be home to the majority of older adults (Gonzales et al. 2015), we undertook a scoping review of features of rural communities that influence wellbeing of older people in countries across Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The review included literature in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, using search engines MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, PsycInfo, SocINDEX, SciELO, AJOL (Africa Journals Online), LILACS, Redalyc, LatinIndex and Clacso. Findings illustrate diversity in how community features including remoteness, infrastructure and belonging influence material, social and subjective wellbeing of older residents.

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Scaling-up health insurance through community- based health insurance schemes in rural sub- Saharan African communities

Journal of Hospital Administration ◽

10.5430/jha.v3n1p14 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 14 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ufuoma John Ejughemre

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Insurance ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Community Based ◽

Seek Health Care ◽

Community Based Health Insurance ◽

The Poor ◽

Sub Saharan

Context: The knotty and monumental problem of health inequality and the high burden of diseases in sub-Saharan Africa bothers on the poor state of health of many of its citizens particularly in rural communities. These issues are further exacerbated by the harrowing conditions of health care delivery and the poor financing of health services in many of these communities. Against these backdrops, health policy makers in the region are not just concerned with improving peoples’ health but with protecting them against the financial costs of illness. What is important is the need to support more robust strategies for healthcare financing in these communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This review assesses the evidence of the extent to which community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a more viable option for health care financing amongst other health insurance schemes in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Patterns of health insurance in sub-Saharan Africa: Theoretically, the basis for health insurance is that it allows for risk pooling and therefore ensures that resources follow sick individuals to seek health care when needed. As it were, there are different models such as social, private and CBHI schemes which could come to bear in different settings in the region. However, not all insurance schemes will come to bear in rural settings in the region. Community based health insurance: CBHI is now recognized as a community-initiative that is community friendly and has a wide reach in the informal sector especially if well designed. Experience from Rwanda, parts of Nigeria and other settings in the region indicate high acceptability but the challenge is that these schemes are still very new in the region. Recommendations and conclusion: Governments and international development partners in the region should collect- ively develop CBHI as it will help in strengthening health systems and efforts geared towards achieving the millennium development goals. This is because it is inextricably linked to the health care needs of the poor.

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Water flow pathways and the water balance within a head-water catchment containing a dambo: inferences drawn from hydrochemical investigations

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences ◽

10.5194/hess-3-581-1999 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 581-591 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

M. P. McCartney ◽

C. Neal

Keyword(s):

Water Balance ◽

Stream Water ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Dry Season ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Flow Paths ◽

Headwater Catchments ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Flow Pathways ◽

Water Catchment

Abstract. Dambos, seasonally saturated wetlands, are widespread in headwater catchments in sub-Saharan Africa. It is widely believed that they play an important role in regional hydrology but, despite research conducted over the last 25 years, their hydrological functions remain poorly understood. To improve conceptualisation of hydrological flow paths and investigate the water balance of a small Zimbabwean catchment containing a single dambo, measurements of alkalinity and chloride in different water types within the catchment have been used as chemical markers. The temporal variation in alkalinity is consistent with the premise that all stream water, including the prolonged dry season recession, is derived predominantly from shallow sources. The proposition that dry season recession flows are maintained by water travelling at depth within the underlying saprolite is not substantiated. There is evidence that a low permeability clay lens, commonly present in many dambos, acts as a barrier for vertical water exchange. However, the highly heterogeneous chemical composition of different waters precludes quantitative hydrograph split-ting using end member mixing analysis. Calculation of the chloride mass-balance confirms that, after rainfall, evaporation is the largest component of the catchment water budget. The study provides improved understanding of the hydrological functioning of dambos. Such understanding is essential for the development and implementation of sustainable management strategies for this landform.

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Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in sub-Saharan Africa and associations with undernutrition, and governance in children under five years of age: a systematic review

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease ◽

10.1017/s2040174419000898 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

D. J. Momberg ◽

B. C. Ngandu ◽

L. E. Voth-Gaeddert ◽

K. Cardoso Ribeiro ◽

J. May ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Water Source ◽

The State ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Human Right ◽

Poor Child ◽

Child Undernutrition ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

Health Related ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Associations between different forms of malnutrition and environmental conditions, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), may contribute towards persistently poor child health, growth and cognitive development. Experiencing poor nutrition in utero or during early childhood is furthermore associated with chronic diseases later in life. The primary responsibility for provision of water and sanitation, as a basic service and human right, lies with the State; however, a number of stakeholders are involved. The situation is most critical in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where, in 2015, 311 million people lacked a safe water source, and >70% of SSA populations were living without adequate sanitation. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the state of literature concerned with WASH and its association with nutritional status, and governance in children from birth to 5 years of age in SSA. Articles were sourced from PubMed Central, Science Direct and ProQuest Social Science databases published between 1990 and 2017. The PRISMA Statement was utilised and this systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017071700). The search terms returned 15,351 articles for screening, with 46 articles included. This is indicative of a limited body of knowledge; however, the number of publications on this topic has been increasing, suggesting burgeoning field of interest. Targeted research on the governance of WASH through the identification of the various role players and stakeholders at various levels, while understanding the policy environment in relation to particular health-related outcomes is imperative to address the burden of child undernutrition.

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Effect of a self-care educational intervention to improve self-care adherence among patients with chronic heart failure: a clustered randomized controlled trial in Northwest Ethiopia

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-02170-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Getenet Dessie ◽

Sahai Burrowes ◽

Henok Mulugeta ◽

Dessalegn Haile ◽

Ayenew Negess ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Chronic Heart Failure ◽

Health Education ◽

Educational Intervention ◽

Self Care ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Care Education ◽

Referral Hospitals ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background As the burden of cardiovascular disease increases in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing need for low-cost interventions to mitigate its impact. Providing self-care health education to patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is recommended as an intervention to prevent complications, improve quality of life, and reduce financial burdens on fragile health systems. However, little is known about health education’s effectiveness at improving CHF self-management adherence in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore the present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve self-care adherence among patients with CHF at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods To address this gap, we adapted a health education intervention based on social cognitive theory comprising of intensive four-day training and, one-day follow-up sessions offered every four months. Patients also received illustrated educational leaflets. We then conducted a clustered randomized control trial of the intervention with 186 randomly-selected patients at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot referral hospitals. We collected self-reported data on self-care behavior before each educational session. We analyzed these data using a generalized estimating equations model to identify health education's effect on a validated 8-item self-care adherence scale. Results Self-care adherence scores were balanced at baseline. After the intervention, patients in the intervention group (n = 88) had higher adherence scores than those in the control group (n = 98). This difference was statistically significant (β = 4.15, p < 0.05) and increased with each round of education. Other factors significantly associated with adherence scores were being single (β = − 0.25, p < 0.05), taking aspirin (β = 0.76, p < 0.05), and having a history of hospitalization (β = 0.91, p < 0.05). Conclusions We find that self-care education significantly improved self-care adherence scores among CHF patients. This suggests that policymakers should consider incorporating self-care education into CHF management. Trial registration number: PACTR201908812642231

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Effects of Water Source, Sanitation and Hygiene on the Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni among School Age Children in Jawe District, Northwest Ethiopia

Iranian Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.18502/ijpa.v15i1.2535 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tadesse HAILU ◽

Wondemagegn MULU ◽

Bayeh ABERA

Keyword(s):

Schistosoma Mansoni ◽

Pure Water ◽

Water Source ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

School Age Children ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis is a disease caused by infection with one of the blood flukes called Schistosoma mansoni. The distribution of Schistosoma mansoni infection is high in Sub-Saharan Africa due to water source, sanitation and hygiene problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of water source, sanitation and hygiene on the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school-age children in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from Apr 2016 to Aug 2016. Children were selected by systematic random sampling and Formol Ether Concentration Technique (FECT) was used to identify Schistosoma mansoni infection. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and strength of association of schistosomiasis with determinant factors was calculated by bivariate analysis. Results: Among 333 children, 7% were infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Using surface water for drinking, poor hand wash habit and latrine utilization were significantly associated (P<0.05) with Schistosoma mansoni infection. Conclusion: Absence of safe water for bathing, washing and swimming, poor sanitation and hygiene practices were major risk factors for schistosomiasis. Therefore, health education should be given on the transmission of S. mansoni infection, pure water, sanitation and hygiene in S. mansoni endemic areas.

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Integration of eye care into primary healthcare tier in Nigeria health system: A case for Delta State

Clinical Medical Reviews and Reports ◽

10.31579/2690-8794/038 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (6) ◽

pp. 01-06

Author(s):

John Moyegbone

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Web Search ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Care Providers ◽

Eye Care ◽

Community Needs ◽

System A ◽

Basic Services ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

Primary Eye Care (PEC) provides the essential cares of the eyes and visual pathways at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level in order to prevent avoidable visual impairment and blindness. The aim of this study is to review the need for integration of PEC services into PHC in Nigeria healthcare system – with focus oF Delta State. A narrative review approach was used in evaluation of community needs, government and PHC facilities. Published literatures from around the world including in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria was done through web search and Mendeley reference library. The evaluations show that there is ability and willingness to integrate PEC into PHC. Yet, there is observable mismatch in capacity vs. opportunity or a knowledge and attitude gap. In Delta State on Nigeria, there appears to be specialist Eye-care providers located in just 24% of the local government areas and absolutely none (zero %) at any PHC facility. In the rural communities, there is the barrier of affordances including problem of access, but the PHC staff can be equipped to provide basic services such as educational, preventive and referral services that non-governmental organisations have done. Therefore, integration of PEC into PHC at the community level is possible.

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