Community Participation and Sustainability of Rural Deep Underground Water Projects in Uganda: Empirical Findings from Kkingo Sub-County, Lwengo District

Abstract

The general aim of this study was to establish the extent of relationship between community participation and sustainability of rural deep underground water Projects in Kkingo Sub County. The study used a singular case, cross section research design which simplified the study to accurately come up with ultimate reality. The study further used a positivism philosophy which posted into epistemological and ontological stance in the attempt to grasp the ultimate reality. The sample size of the article was 349 and we applied Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques to select the community members in the article area. Data was collected using interview guide, questionnaires and focus group discussion. The emerging results were analyzed thematically (qualitative data) and through Pearson correlation and multi regression analysis (for quantitative data).The findings generated a structure equation model which revealed that community participation has a significant influence on sustainability of rural underground water project. Sustainability was achieved to some extent as apart from information sharing; consultation, decision making and initiating are significant contributing factors to the sustainability of rural underground water Projects in article. The article recommends those local authorities’ involvement and commitment as well as active water user management committee. It further recommends the use of self-driven demand and encourages beneficiaries in identification of their water sources needs, suggestions of alternative solutions designing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of water projects.