A Systematic Scoping Review of Access to Safe Drinking Water in Sub-Saharan Africa: Mapping Literature on Determinants, Interventions, and Policy Implications over the Past Decade and the Path Forward

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by a complex mix of environmental, political, social, economic, and infrastructural factors. This scoping review aims to map the literature on water access in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of academic databases and grey literature from January 2013 to the present. We included peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research, as well as reviews and reports focusing on factors influencing water access and related interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data were extracted on study characteristics, key determinants, proposed solutions, and outcomes.

RESULTS: A total of 137 studies were included. Commonly reported determinants included droughts, climate change, conflict, governance, gender, wealth, education, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. Identified potential interventions included infrastructure development, water quality monitoring, climate adaptation, governance reforms, decentralized management, targeted subsidies, and integrated water resources management. However, most studies described barriers rather than evaluating solutions.

CONCLUSIONS: Persistent inequities in water access are driven by interconnected factors such as poverty, governance, gender, and infrastructure. Implementing integrated solutions is crucial, with a shift from problem identification to evaluating contextualized interventions across sectors. Dedicated implementation research is needed to translate knowledge into action, advancing water security and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 in the region.