Improving livelihood vis-à-vis water quality : a baseline study from dry zone in Sri Lanka

Water quantity and quality are two major concerns to sustain livelihood of farmers, particularly in developing countries. In Sri Lanka, the livelihoods of farming communities in the dry zone areas have been seriously threatened in the recent past by increased levels of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu). Deteriorated water quality due to excessive use of agro-chemicals has been one of the causes suggested, while the definite impacts such usages are not yet quantified and understood. The objective of this study is to comprehend the current issues and challenges related to water usage for livelihood improvement in dry zone farming communities, using key informant technique. Study involved 15 Key Informants representing farming communities, officers of government agencies and researchers. In this paper, we present some preliminary findings of key informant’s perceptions on the current issues affecting sustainability of water use in these areas and potential remedial actions to improve the water quality in the dry zone. The major impacts on the livelihood due to poor water quality emerged in the study are the difficulty in acquiring good quality drinking water, serious health issues and negative impacts on agriculture. Main counter measures suggested are immediate provision of good quality drinking water, controlled use of agro-chemicals and enhancing community awareness and understanding