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Persistent Droughts and Water Scarcity: Households’ Perceptions and Practices in Makhanda, South Africa

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  • Avela Pamla

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa)

  • Gladman Thondhlana

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa)

  • Sheunesu Ruwanza

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa)

Abstract

Households in many cities worldwide consume substantial amounts of water, but increasing aridity will result in serious water supply challenges in the future. In South Africa, droughts are now a common phenomenon, with severe implications on water supply for urban households. Developing interventions to minimise the impacts of drought requires understanding of users’ perceptions of water scarcity, water use practices, and participation in water conservation practices. Using household surveys across different income groups (low, medium, and high) in Makhanda, South Africa, this study investigates households’ perceptions of water scarcity, water use, and conservation practices as a basis for designing pathways for sustainable water use practices. Results indicate that a substantial proportion of households were aware of water scarcity and attributed it to poor municipal planning rather than drought and wasteful use practices. Households reported good water use behaviour, but wasteful practices (e.g., regular flushing of toilets) were evident. Gender, age, education, and environmental awareness influenced water use practices, but the relationships were generally weak. Households participated in water conservation measures but felt the local municipal authority lagged in addressing water supply challenges. The implications of the study are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Avela Pamla & Gladman Thondhlana & Sheunesu Ruwanza, 2021. "Persistent Droughts and Water Scarcity: Households’ Perceptions and Practices in Makhanda, South Africa," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-13, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:6:p:593-:d:568669
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Ayodele Olagunju & Gladman Thondhlana & Jania Said Chilima & Aby Sène-Harper & W.R. Nadège Compaoré & Ehimai Ohiozebau, 2019. "Water governance research in Africa: progress, challenges and an agenda for research and action," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(4), pages 382-407, May.
    5. Zachary Brown, 2014. "Greening Household Behaviour: Cross-domain Comparisons in Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours Using Spatial Effects," OECD Environment Working Papers 68, OECD Publishing.
    6. Oecd, 2009. "Climate Change and Africa," OECD Journal: General Papers, OECD Publishing, vol. 2009(1), pages 5-35.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yuqing Zhang & Guangxiong Mao & Changchun Chen & Liucheng Shen & Binyu Xiao, 2021. "Population Exposure to Compound Droughts and Heatwaves in the Observations and ERA5 Reanalysis Data in the Gan River Basin, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-28, September.
    2. Salas-Zapata, Walter & Hoyos-Medina, Lorena & Mejía-Durango, Diana, 2023. "Urban residential water and electricity consumption behavior: A systematic literature review," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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