Impact of Institutional Governance on Household Water Security in Selected Communities of Bauchi Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Although formal institutions are mandated to provide domestic water services, persistent 
water insecurity remains a major challenge in peri-urban communities of Bauchi State, 
Nigeria. This study investigated the institutional arrangements governing domestic water 
supply and evaluated household water security in four peri-urban communities—Bayara, Lushi, 
Gudun Sayawa, and Gwallagan Mayaka—within Bauchi Local Government Area. An explanatory 
mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative data from a 
structured household survey of 401 respondents with qualitative insights obtained through 
key informant interviews involving officials of the Bauchi State Water Supply Corporation 
(BSWSC) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA). Household water 
security was assessed using the validated Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) 
scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.83) and subsequently operationalized into a composite Household 
Water Security Index (HWS). Results revealed that community-managed boreholes and hand
dug wells constituted the dominant sources of domestic water, serving 85.3% of households, 
whereas BSWSC piped-water connections accounted for only 9.2% of access. The overall 
mean HWS score was 22.47 ± 4.83, indicating moderate-to-high levels of water insecurity 
across the study area. Spatial variations were evident, with Gudun Sayawa exhibiting the 
highest level of insecurity (M = 25.31), while Bayara recorded the lowest (M = 19.82). Seasonal 
vulnerability was pronounced, as 88.7% of households reported severe or moderate impacts 
during drought periods. Households spent an average of 1.74 hours daily collecting water, 
increasing to 2.14 hours in Gudun Sayawa. Institutional analysis revealed overlapping mandates 
between BSWSC and RUWASSA, compounded by the absence of formal coordination 
mechanisms, resulting in fragmented service delivery and limited operational effectiveness. 
The study concludes that household water insecurity is primarily a governance challenge 
driven by institutional fragmentation rather than institutional absence. Strengthening inter
agency coordination and prioritizing targeted infrastructure investments are therefore 
critical for enhancing water security and accelerating progress toward Sustainable 
Development Goal 6.