FACTORS THAT AFFECT EFFICIENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT AND UTILISATION OF WATER RESOURCES

Main Article Content

Zeleke Worku

Abstract

Although Bushbuckridge and Mbombela in the Province of Mpumanlanga, South Africa have groundwater resources, these resources are not utilised efficiently by residents. Various studies have shown that it is necessary to promote awareness about conservation and protection of groundwater resources. The study was conducted by collecting information from 420 households in Bushbuckridge and Mbombela to explore factors that undermine the optimal utilisation of ground resources. Efficiency in the utilisation and conservation of ground and spring water was assessed by using a composite index developed by Alamdarlo, Pourmozafar and Vakilpoor (2019) for conducting a similar study. The results showed that about 65% of respondents were efficient enough in the effective utilisation of ground water, whereas the remaining 35% were not. Results obtained from the study showed that the effective utilisation of spring and ground water at Bushbuckridge and Mbombela was significantly undermined by large family size (family sizes of 6 or more), low level of education of head of household (Grade 12 level formal education or less) and low household income (an average annual income of R100, 000 or less), in a decreasing order of strength.

Article Details

Section
Articles