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Dzimbiri_Mastano_Thesis_2024 (1).pdf (2.95 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Household water security and vulnerability within the rural settlement of Mzimba District Malawi

Dzimbiri, Mastano Nambiro Woleson
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5673-7237
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1722950136037716

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Arts, Miami University, Geography.
In rural Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), access to safe drinking water remains a huge challenge as the majority of residents rely on unsafe water sources. This thesis examines and documents household water security and vulnerability within rural settlements, Malawi. I obtained data on water access, and availability by interviewing sixty households from geographically disadvantaged settlements with a historical record of experiencing water insecurity. Given that safe water is crucial for human health, the quality of water consumed by various households was established by analyzing samples from the existing water sources. The thesis revealed existing differences in access to safe water within rural Malawi. While most households were generally subjected to unsafe water sources, residents from Masawani were in an even more dire state as they lacked adequate water sources that rendered them more vulnerable to water insecurity. Households' water (in)security was manifested by place of residence, socio-economic status, water taste preferences, and prevailing gender norms, which often place the burden of water collection on women and girls. Therefore, addressing water insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa requires adopting a holistic approach that not only involves constructing adequate water infrastructure, but also understanding the intricate social and geographic dynamics of rural communities.
David Prytherch (Advisor)
Jonathan Levy (Committee Member)
Bruce D'Arcus (Committee Member)
86 p.
Geography
Household water security, Geography of water security, Rural settlements, Water access, Availability, Vulnerability, Socio-economic status, Water quality, Sub-Saharan Africa, Malawi

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Dzimbiri, M. N. W. (2024). Household water security and vulnerability within the rural settlement of Mzimba District Malawi [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1722950136037716

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Dzimbiri, Mastano. Household water security and vulnerability within the rural settlement of Mzimba District Malawi. 2024. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1722950136037716.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Dzimbiri, Mastano. "Household water security and vulnerability within the rural settlement of Mzimba District Malawi." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1722950136037716

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1722950136037716
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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.