Promoting restoration of Lake Bosomtwe through spatial analysis of existing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sources in GhanaWest Africa

摘要

A market assessment survey was conducted to create a comprehensive baseline survey of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) within the Lake Bosomtwe area. This survey provided community members the opportunity to share their needs, insight, and inputinto appropriate technologies for a potential demonstration farm that could help mitigate local community health issues. Interviews were conducted in the 12 villages located along the Idke's shore. Within the last seven years, the lake has been subjectedto overfishing and environmental degradation. Community members, within walking distance of the lake participated in individual interviews of a 140-question survey. Data collected were: demographics, land use, farming practices, water sanitation, personal hygiene, and participation in fishing. Spatial data were also collectedfor drinking water sources, pit latrines, and village centers. An initial broad spatial analysis was conducted within ArcGIS Pro of all spatial data collected, according to the SPHERE minimum humanitarian standards in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion. Through this analysis, it was determined whether community pit latrines and drinking water source were seeping into the lake, potentially escalating the lake water quality problems. These sources were also evaluated to determine if they properly met each villages' current population size. It was determined that all current WASH sources within the Lake Bosomtwe area are inadequate. This study provided recommendations at the village and district level to help move towards sustainable access of sanitation facilities for all these villages.