Dynamics of household water use determinants in selected Local Government Areas in Oyo Zone of Oyo State Nigeria

Water remains a fundamental resource for sustaining life, health, and livelihoods, yet access and utilisation patterns differ markedly between rural and semi-urban communities. This study empirically compares household water use and its determinants in Afijio (rural) and Oyo East (semi-urban) Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria. Using a proportional stratified sampling technique, 275 respondents were surveyed in Afijio and 300 in Oyo East. The socio-demographic profile indicates near gender parity (Afijio: 51.1% female; Oyo East: 56.2% female) and a predominantly youthful population (18–35 years: Afijio 33.8%; Oyo East 34.8%). Most households are small to medium-sized (1–5 members: Afijio 54.2%; Oyo East 42.4%). Groundwater—mainly hand-dug wells—dominates household supply (Afijio 96%; Oyo East 93%), while access to piped water remains negligible (0.05% in both LGAs). Water use in Afijio centres on essential domestic needs such as drinking, cooking, and bathing, whereas Oyo East exhibits a more diversified pattern, including sanitation, small-scale farming, vehicle washing, and home-based enterprises. These differences reflect variations in infrastructure, economic activity, and water availability. Factor analysis identified four key determinants of water source preference: accessibility, reliability, quality, and household-specific factors. In Afijio, these components explained 63.1% of total variance, with accessibility (distance and ease of collection) as the strongest driver. In Oyo East, they accounted for 65.2% of variance, with reliability (consistency of supply) most influential. The findings underscore both infrastructural constraints and behavioural distinctions in water use. The study recommends context-specific interventions—enhancing water infrastructure and accessibility in Afijio, and improving quality assurance and sustainable management in Oyo East.