Spatial Heterogeneity of Household Water Insecurity in Rural Uganda

Keywords: water insecurity, HWISE, food insecurity, spatial analysis, Sub-Saharan Africa
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 8

Abstract

Water insecurity has been linked to food insecurity, psychosocial distress, and interpersonal conflict in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Little is known, however, about the spatial patterns of water insecurity and related resource stressors, or the implications of these potential patterns, on water interventions and global development efforts. This study leverages location data of 250 households surveyed in five communities in Arua, Uganda, as part of a multi-site water insecurity study to map and evaluate geospatial clustering of household water and food insecurity; perceived stress; and water-related worry, hygiene issues, and conflict. We used a geographic information system (GIS) to conduct global and local spatial statistical analysis at the household level for each resource stress measure. The spatial cluster analysis identified clusters or outliers in every community, for nearly every metric, though the patterns themselves differed. Regression modeling identified statistically significant positive associations between the HWISE scale and food insecurity, round-trip fetching time, and water-related conflict both within households and with neighbors. This spatial heterogeneity in water insecurity experiences and related phenomena, both within and between communities, affirms the importance of micro-level measurements of water insecurity for capturing diverse water experiences. Our findings also highlight the potential inadequacy of single-solution water interventions and underscore the importance of tailoring water solutions to the needs and contexts of the communities and households they serve.