Factors causing low compliance in the formation of community water funds : through Community Theatre for Development Approach (COTDA)

Water scarcity is the most important environmental constraint to development, particularly in areas that face limited water in terms of quantity and quality, water availability is closely linked to human welfare and health by affecting nutrition status. All in all fresh water is the source of life. Water resource is an important catalyst necessary for accelerating both economic and social development. Although most governments and donor organizations often put much emphasis on the provision of water for drinking purposes, there is clear evidence that the supply of water for other uses has equal importance especially among rural communities. Using examples from 12 villages in Mkuranga District, it is evident that water for other uses is given high priority by the communities concerned. For the success of any social project, effective execution and involvement of the beneficiaries is required. Moreover, to have a well-managed and sustainable project like water and sanitation, communities have to comply with the strategies for operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance activities, which encompass not only technical issues, but also social, institutional and financial issues, must be directed towards the elimination or reduction of the major constraints, which prevent the achievements of sustainability. However, the main challenge for the future is long-term community commitment both in terms of well maintenance and management. Community water funds are envisaged to be necessary for sustainability of water projects, especially for the maintenance of wells and water points. Unlike of this truth, many of the rural water projects, Mkuranga being one of them, are facing problems in creation of community water funds. The purpose of this study therefore is to examine various factors that cause low compliance in the formation of community water funds, while simultaneously addressing suitable recommendations that will reinforce the implementation and effective management of water funds for long-term sustainability of water projects. The study was conducted in Mkuranga district where AMREF in collaboration with the district Council is implementing a five-year water and sanitation project in four out of fifteen wards. A t the same time trying to Explore on how community theatre for development can be used as a research method, for finding different solution in the community. (Author abstract)Mpangala, F. K. (2005). Factors causing low compliance in the formation of community water funds : through Community Theatre for Development Approach (COTDA). Retrieved from http://academicarchive.snhu.eduMaster of Science (M.S.)School of Community Economic Developmen