Psychological effects of water scarcity on community members: a case study of Lephalale municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa

The study findings demonstrated that water scarcity has a significant psychological impact on community members. The study concludes by recommending the integration of psychological principles and involvement of mental health care practitioners when developing water management programmes, strategies, interventions, and policy. The study can provide policy makers and mental health care practitioners valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by communities affected by water scarcity. Moreover, these study findings can assist mental health care practitioners to tailor their interventions to address the specific needs of communities experiencing water scarcity, particularly community members presenting with mental health challenges associated with this issue.