Spatial heterogeneity of household water insecurity in rural Uganda: implications for development

Little is known about the micro-scale spatial patterns of household water insecurity and their implications for community water interventions. This cross-sectional study analyses the location data of 250 households surveyed in Arua, Uganda, in August-September 2017 to evaluate correlates and geospatial clustering of household water insecurity, that is, geographical patterns in how water insecurity is experienced. The spatial cluster analysis identified clusters or outliers in every community, though with different spatial patterns. Household water insecurity was positively associated with food insecurity, round-trip fetching time, and water-related conflict within households and with neighbours. The observed spatial heterogeneity provides a new view of how household water insecurity experiences may vary in space and time, and can help practitioners understand the heterogeneity of impact that is often observed in water interventions.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the spatial data of 250 households in Arua, Uganda in August-September 2017, and found that household water insecurity is associated with food insecurity, round-trip fetching time, and water-related conflict within households and with neighbors. The observed spatial heterogeneity provides a new understanding of the variations in household water insecurity experiences, which can help practitioners comprehend the heterogeneity of impact in water interventions.