The Role of Community-Based Initiatives in Enhancing Water Quality and Livelihoods in Rural Tanzania: A Case Study of Mvomero Distric

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of community
initiatives on water quality and household
livelihoods in Mvomero District, Tanzania. With
a focus on the FuatiliaMaji project. The study
explores how these initiatives influence both
water quality and the socio-economic wellbeing of households. Using a cross-sectional
research design, data were collected from 130
households through structured questionnaires.
The analysis revealed that community-based
monitoring, water conservation efforts, and the
protection of water sources positively contribute
to improved water quality. Moreover, these
initiatives were found to enhance household
income, health, and overall livelihood, although
challenges related to water cost and time spent
fetching water persist. The study highlights the
importance of affordable water solutions and
strengthened community participation in water
governance to foster sustainable water
management practices. The findings suggest
that increasing investments in water
infrastructure, scaling up community-based
monitoring systems, and reducing the economic
and time burdens of water collection are crucial
for improving both water quality and household
livelihoods in the region.