Determination of Water Poverty Index Using Composite Index Approach and Simple Time Analysis Approach

Growth in human population creates a continuous increasing demand for potable water and matching the demand with the supply of potable water has resulted in loss of human resources and capital, thus affecting activities of nearly every household. This study focused on determination of Water Poverty Index (WQI) using composite index approach and simple time-analysis approach for assessment of water-stressed communities in Mkpat Enin Metropolis. The study adopted an experimental survey design to evaluate water stressed area through administration of a researcher-developed questionnaire. The questionnaires were randomly given to 1000 respondents from each of the five studied communities and the total number of questionnaire issued was 5000 and it was structured in two parts: Part 1 relates to the demographic data of the respondents and Part 2 of the questionnaire focused on two sections as follows: (i) Water sources, quality, quantity and availability in Mkpat Enin metropolis; (ii) Indicators for the computation of water poverty index: resources, access, capacity, use and environmental integrity. All data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and modified water poverty index models. The results of the ranking of WPI from the two approaches showed that Ikot Oyoro is the most water-stressed community in the study area with least WPI value of 17.53 points (composite index approach) and highest WPI value of 0.30 points (simple time-analysis approach) while Ikot Akpaden is the least water stressed community in the study area with highest WPI value of 27.54 points (composite index approach) and lowest WPI value of 0.16 points (simple time-analysis approach). Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that improved water harvesting from both surface and underground sources should be encouraged to provide sufficient water for the water-stressed communities in Mkpat Enin metropolis. This will not only improve health, but will also save time since time is power as well as enhancing economic productivity of the inhabitants of the study area