WATER AS A RURAL CAPITAL

Water serves as a vital rural asset, it increases productivity and food security. It also improves public health and contributes to economic growth and poverty reduction in rural areas. Poor hygiene practices, unsafe water, restricted access to water and water services and sanitation pose serious risk to health and livelihoods. This study evaluated the role of water as a rural capital by analysing drinking water quality, household practices, health challenges in communities in Akonolinga, Cameroon. The study used a community based cross-sectional survey among 158 households across 10 villages in Akonolinga. Withe the aid of structured questionnaires, information on water sources, household income were collected. Water samples were assessed for nitrate ,nitrite, residual, chlorine and pH. WHo guidelines were used to interpret the measured parameters. Results showed firstly that 72.78% depend on farming as their main source of livelihoods, 38.61% of households used boreholes as their main source of drinking water and 62.03% of households earned less than 50,000 FCFA monthly Secondly28.48% reported that at least one child below 5years had been seriously sick during the last 6 months, an average of 2.41days was lost while caring for a child, atleast 3000 to above 6000frswas lost caring for a sick child meanwhile 54.43%of households did not treat their water before giving to infants Lastly 94.94% of tested samples had pH less than or equal to 6.8, 70.41% of the samples analysed had no residual chlorine, 42.41% of all samples recorded 3mg/L of nitrate, and 52.53% of all samples showed 0.005mg/L of nitrite. As a result of the Restitution authorities requested for the improved management of all water sources, identification of all functional and non-functional boreholes, and additional boreholess need in Akonolknga. Construction of boreholes subsequently started in Ngoubou Water is this an essential rural asset in Akonolinga. Irs access does not ensure water security. There is therefore a need for stronger community and local government action due to weakness in water management, household practices and health related economic burden.