Community Participation and Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Projects in East Africa

Esau Murongo – Rwenzori International University, Uganda
Seuya Theopista – Tumaini University Makumira, Tanzania
Corresponding author: emurongo@gmail.com

Abstract: Globally, community participation and sustainability of rural water supply projects has been a major concern. This paper looked at community participation and sustainability of rural water supply projects in East Africa with a focus on Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The following three research questions were addressed ;(1) What contribution does community participation have towards sustainability of rural water supply projects in East Africa? (2) What community participation aspects exist on sustainability of rural water supply projects in East Africa? (3) What sustainability components for rural water supply projects exist in East Africa? The paper used mixed methods combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches in data collection. The paper targeted studies undertaken in East Africa. However, literature reviewed showed only 21 articles related to the study were online. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the researchers from East African countries who collected data using Google search engine and documentary review. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS to get the frequencies, percentages and correlations. It was concluded that community participation and sustainability of rural water supply projects exists in East Africa. The study recommended that much effort should be focused on sustainability components since they are key in ensuring sustainability of rural water supply projects.