Analysis of Gender Disparity on Household Water Collection in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

In developing countries, household water collection, especially in the rural area is generally seen as a traditionally assigned role for the female gender. However, the situation is not very clear in the urban area. Hence, this study was aimed at the analysis of gender disparity on household water collection in Yenagoa metropolis. The data were obtained from a structured questionnaire, which was administered by hand, directly to the 400 sampled household heads in the metropolis, using the classified and systematic sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive (percentages) and inferential (t-test) statistics. The analyses established that both male and female genders are involved in water collection in the metropolis. However, the major task of water collection in the metropolis is undertaken by the male gender as indicated by the various households. Specifically, in 274 and 101 households, the male and female genders were indicated as the main water collectors, respectively. The t-test analysis of the first hypothesis (t = 5.381; p-value = .000 at 0.05 alpha level), shows that there is a significant difference in household water collection characteristics between male and female water collectors. Similarly, the t-test of the second hypothesis (t = 7.961; p-value = .000 at 0.05 alpha level), shows that there is a significant difference on the impact of water collection between male and female water collectors. To eliminate gender disparity and the burden associated with water collection, every household should be provided with safely managed water (SMW) services.

Keywords: Gender disparity; household water collector; rural; urban; water collection

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/15-5-06

Publication date: November 30^th 2025