Abstract

This study was aimed at examining community water management strategies and contribution in M’muock-Leteh village. Data and information for this study was obtained through field observation, interviews, and the administration of questionnaires. Secondary sources of data were consulted through the use of documented materials. The data was analyzed using simple statistical techniques such as percentages and frequencies and presented in the form of tables, figures and maps. The results of the study revealed that there are many problems faced in water management as a result of population increase, climate change, poor water management, limited water sources and increase in water usage. These cause shortages in utilization and distribution. However, the main challenge is poor water management. For proper management of the scheme, there should be identification and development of other water sources especially as the present water supply is irregular. The planting of water loving trees within the catchment areas, should be encouraged and increase of more storage tanks for distribution.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background to the Study

Water is the most important substance that is vital to all forms of life on the earth surface as well as various types of economic and human activities.  Water is indeed considered as lifebloodof our planet and no life can survive withoutwater (Apiapuh et al 2006). Water is a precious natural resource, vital for life, development and the environment.  It can be a matter of life and death, depending on how it occurs and how it managed when it is too much or too little, it can bring destruction, misery or death. Irrespective of how it occurs if properly managed, it can be an instrument for economic survival and growth. It can be an instrument for poverty alleviation lifting people out of degradation of having to live without access to safe water and sanitation while at the same time bringing prosperity to all [UN-WATER/AFRICA, 2004]. However, when it is inadequate, in either quality or quantity, it can be a limiting factor for poverty alleviation and economic recovery, resulting in poor health and how productivity, food in security and constrained economic development.

According to a United Nation report on 23’rd September 2003, the water crisis ‘is said to worsen. Despite continuing debate over the very existence of such crises, the report says with growing per capita scarcity in many part of the developing world. Of all social and natural crises, we faced, water problem is one that lies at the heart of our survival and that of our planet earth.

Water is unique in the sense that it has no substitutes. Its quantity and quality vary over space and time. For a given area and even for the whole world, the amount of water available is finite and the continuous increase in the amount of water uses available, domestic and industrial water supply as irrigation. As a consequence, planning and proper management is necessary to achieve some convergence in both time and space in water availability and water demand in any given region of the world.

Community water management is a form of co-operation between support agencies in the water sector and communities. It involves a common search to identify problems with the local water supply system and possibilities for and constraints on management by communities as well as possible fundamental principles of community water management and those communities own the process of change, facilitators, and local researcher’s management capacities are the basis for improved water systems (Lammerink et al, 1999).

In a holistic design, the local water supply system meets all the basic water need of the people. In small communities like in the case of M’muock-leteh village, separating water between domestic and productive uses is often unrealistic. As well both women and men often need domestic water for small scale productive uses within the household, such as raising animals, growing of crops, processing food and making brick (Brikke F. and Fonseca, 2001). Alternatively, water sources are not always available for such uses. Even if there are several sources, it is likely that there will be a clear enforceable arrangement made on which some sources will be used for which purposes. Unless local design management and financing arrangements encompassed all the different needs, competition and conflicts over water are the result.

People do not take enough care of this essential resource;however and it often appear less value it.  In most parts of Cameroon as is the case in other countries, water is used for domestic purpose, industries and forgenerating hydro-electricity. Water is obtained from rural areas as a result of the presence of forest which shed and protects the water. Water is needed by rural dwellers for drinking, cooking, bathing and also for agricultural practices.  It is for this reason that many rural areas, Mmuock-Leteh village inclusive are faced with the problem of water contamination and inadequate supplies.

On the global scale, there is plenty of fresh water for everyone but most areas of the world still have water management problems. Taking Cameroon as an example, the problem of uneven water distribution and utilization is not different. Hence poor management of water and utilization of unsafe water directly affects the social and economic conditions of each and every community.

This study is aimed at finding out the various ways in which water has been distributed and improved on management and constraints. This is to achieve a balance between water availability and demand in both time and space. The case under study is M’muock-Leteh village, Lebialem Division, South West Region Cameroon.

 

1.2 Problem Statement

The problem of poor water management is a common phenomenon faced in many rural areas due to high demand of water for various human activities.Most people in villages travel long distances to obtain water. M’muock-Leteh village depend so surface water, springs, wells, and pipe borne sources for their basic activities like domestic and agricultural purposes and this suggest that there is a need for an adequate improvement in the water sources. Statistics shows that about 90% of rural water is being used for agricultural purposes since this forms the basic economic activity in rural areas (Gross et al, 2001).

Water catchments are destroyed by cattle during the dry season. Despite the treatment of water tanks during this period of the year, the water is not still pure and there is a drop in the supply of the water.

Another problem is that there are few sources, the quantity too is very small and quality low in relation to the population of the area. This poor quality results to a number of diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

Water scarcity is fast becoming a serious problem in Mmuock-Leteh village with an estimated population of 11.000 inhabitants (Mmuock-Leteh Magazine, 2012). The increased population witnesses inadequate water supply particularly in the dry season. The improper management of the water from springs and streams is one of the main causes of the water scarcity.Similarly, the improper management of water schemes andcatchment areas are partly the result of farming activities.

 

1.2 Research Questi0ns

The following research questions were set out to guide the study:

1. What are the problems associated with the management and utilization of community water in M’muock-Leteh village?
2. What are the management strategies used to increase the quantity and quality of water for sustainability by the community?
3. What role does the community play towards the management and success of the water schemes?

 

1.3 Research Objectives 

The main aim of this study was to examine community water supply management and its constraints in M’muock-leteh village.

The specific objectives of the study were;

1. To examine the problems associated with the management and utilization of M’muock-leteh community water.
2. To investigate the role of the community in the water scheme.
3. To identify the management strategies used to meet up with the increasing demand for quality community water in M’muock-Leteh village.
4. To find out possible solutions to the problems.