The Role of Women in Water Resource Utilization in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Women are rarely involved in decisions relating to water policies and strategies as well as water resource
management. This study aimed to assess the role of women on water resource management in Gwale Local
Government Area, Kano State. The major sources of domestic water supply, uses of water in the study area,
method and utilization of domestic water uses were identified. Five wards were selected in the local
government area with twenty respondents drawn from each for the study. Simple random sampling techniques
were used for the study. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data obtained were
analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The study revealed that, majority of the people in the study area
obtain their domestic water from the borehole and some buy water from vendors for their domestic activities
every day. The supply of water by vendors in this area reduces the tension of water scarcity by making it
affordable and in turn it provides jobs to them. Women in the study area play a vital role in managing the water
available to them every day in all areas of domestic uses including sanitation management. The study
recommended that, women should be encouraged to participate in committees on water resource policies and
programmes. Government should ensure gender equity with regards to access to and control of water resources.
Public-Private Partnership should be encourage towards the development of a well-designed project for
integrated water supply in the area.