ABSTRACT The thesis is entitled “Water and Sanitation interventions, and Socio-economic development of Musanze district in the Northern Province of Rwanda”. The study was carried out based on six specific objectives: determine the profiles of respondents as to age, gender, marital status, type of employment, level of income, and education; examine the extent of water and sanitation interventions in the area; identify the level of socioeconomic development on water supply; examine the significant mean difference between variables; and determine a significant relationship between water and sanitation interventions, and the socioeconomic development. This study was descriptive and correlational using qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population involved Community members, Water and Sanitation Stakeholders and Local Leaders. These respondents were selected purposively using simple random. The minimum sample size was computed using the Sloven’s formula, which ended up with 154 respondents out of 250.The data were presented, analysed, and interpreted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Pearson correlation analysis. In relation to water interventions, results indicated that in general, figures from Musanze district are very low, when compared to national averages, and it appeared from the results of the study that the quantity of water taken by households from water points ih Musanze district is usually insufficient to meet the standard for water consumption expected in rural area i.e. at least 20 litres/person/day. This may impact on the socio economic development of the district population due to a possibility of increase of water borne diseases. Findings also showed the low level of access to improved sanitation due to the level of unimproved latrines used which can produce diseases. Concerning handwashing, most of households in Musanze district have means of handwashing facilities however their usage is still negligent. That is the reason why they are many intestinal worms. Results specified that there was a significant relationship between soçio-economic development, water and sanitation interventions. All variables had significant effect between them. Therefore the data provided enough evidence to reject null hypotheis. With regard to recommendations, there is a need to initiate more projects/programs in water and sanitation in the area to increase the coverage, awareness raising programs through behaviour change communication, and sanitation promotion mechanisms in order for households to construct their own individual latrines, and to involve beneficiaries, particularly women and children, in rural water and sanitation programmes in Musanze district.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PreNminaries

DECLARATION A

DECLARATION B ii

APPROVAL SHEET m

DEDICATIO1~N iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

ABSTRACT vi

LIST OF TABLES ix

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 5

Research Objectives 5

Research Questions 6

Hypothesis 6

Scope 6

Significance of the Study 7

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 8

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors! Experts 10

Theoretical Perspectives 14

Related Studies 15

Three METHODOLOGY 20

Research Design 20

Research Population 20

Sample Size 20

vi’

Sampling Procedures 21

Research Instruments 21

Validity and Rellabifity of the Instruments 22

Data Gathering Procedures 23

Data analysis 23

Ethical Considerations 24

Limitations of the Study 25

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 26

Profile of Respondents 26

Description of the Level of socio-economic development on water supply 29

Description of the Level of water acces 32

Description of the Level of sanitation and handwashing 34

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 39

Findings 39

Conclusions 40

Recommendations 41

References 43

Appendices 46

Appendix 1 A :Transmittal Letter 52

Appendix 1 B : Letter frOm Local Government Authority 53

Appendix 1 C :Transmittal Letter for the Respondents 47

Appendix II: Clearance from Ethics Committee 49

Appendix III Informed Consent 49

Appendix IV A :Demographic Characteristics of The Respondents 51

Appendix iv B :Questions Related to Intervention Services on Water supply 53

Appendix IV C : Questions Related to the Water Access 54

Appendix IV D: Questions Related to Sanitation and Handwashing 56

Appendix IV E Questions Related to the Effects of Unhealthy Water

Consumption 57

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 58