Measuring spatial accessibility to improved water sources among the households in Sibi, Ghana

Despite significant global progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six, which aims to ensure universal and equitable access to improved water sources (those that are protected from outside contamination, and from fecal matter in particular) by 2030, access to improved water sources remains a persistent challenge, especially in rural African communities. In Sibi, Ghana, a rural area characterized by diverse physical and infrastructural constraints, access to improved water sources is particularly limited during the dry season. This study evaluates the level of spatial access to improved water sources in Sibi and explores relevant policy implications. Spatial analysis techniques, including Kernel Density Estimation and the Generalized Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) methods, are used to assess the distribution and accessibility of improved water sources across the community. Although originally developed for evaluating healthcare accessibility, the G2SFCA method proves well-suited for analyzing access to improved water sources in this context. The results reveal an uneven spatial distribution of water sources, with a higher concentration in communities’ central areas and limited availability in peripheral zones. This ratio-based disparity results in significant variation in spatial accessibility among households. The study concludes that access to improved water sources in Sibi is spatially unequal, with central households enjoying better access than those on the periphery, particularly during the dry season. These findings confirm the applicability of the G2SFCA method for spatial accessibility to improved water source assessments and highlight the need for targeted interventions. The study recommends that local authorities in the Nkwanta North District prioritize expanding improved water infrastructure in Sibi. • Assessed spatial accessibility to improved water sources using the Generalized Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) method. • Revealed uneven distribution of water point sources across Sibi, Ghana. • Identified critical issues related to water accessibility in African rural communities. • Proposed inclusive community planning and infrastructure development strategies to help address the identified disparities.