THE EFFECT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GRAVITY FLOW SCHEMES AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN MANAFWA DISTRICT

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between community participation and performance of gravity flow schemes among households in Manafwa district. This research was prompted by partial functionality of gravity flow schemes in Manafwa district. A number of researches on community participation and sustainability of water sources have been carried out in Uganda none has linked community participation and performances of gravity flow schemes in Manafwa. Data was collected from 176 respondents using questionnaires, interview guide and observation check list and these were both qualitatively and quantitatively collected and analyzed. The study findings were positive and statistically significant relationship between community participation in planning, implementation and monitoring vis-à-vis performance of gravity flow schemes. The outstanding conclusions are; there is a significant influence of community participation in planning in terms of attending meetings, identification of locations of the water sources and direct participation in needs assessment on the performance of gravity flow water scheme. Secondly, there is a significant influence of community participation in implementation in terms of contributing money, local materials, labour and land during and for use during construction on the performance of gravity flow schemes. As regards monitoring, the communities report to the authorities whenever there is any mal-function such as burst, leakages of the gravity flow schemes and are always willing to support any activity involving inspection of sites and hence improving performance of gravity flow water schemes. The study recommends that Community participation in planning, implementation and monitoring for the gravity flow water supply needs to be strengthened by involving community members in all stages for their own benefit and since they have a role to play in the performance of these gravity flow scheme.