The Effects of Water Scarcity on Rural Livelihoods: Case Study of Eisleben Village, Molemole Municipality, South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.685Keywords:
Water Scarcity, Rural Livelihoods, Income Generation, Food Insecurity, Eisleben Village, South AfricaAbstract
The study’s general research question is as follows: What are the effects of water scarcity on rural livelihoods in Eisleben Village? Water scarcity results from an interplay of environmental conditions, demographic trends, and governance-related factors. This paper employs a qualitative research approach, drawing on secondary literature and the thematic analysis for the themes developed under investigation. The findings reveal that the decline of agricultural livelihoods has contributed to both rising food insecurity and economic deterioration within the community. Moreover, off-farm income generating activities such as brick making, beer brewing, and small-scale trading have similarly been affected. These enterprises depend directly or indirectly on water, and the scarcity has led to reduced operational capacity. For example, the customary cycle of household-based beer brewing, a practice that fosters both income and communal support networks has become increasingly unsustainable in the absence of reliable water access. To address the issue of water scarcity in Eisleben Village, this paper proposes a comprehensive strategy encompassing infrastructure enhancement, community involvement, livelihood diversification, and reinforced policy implementation. Therefore, investments in boreholes, pipelines, and sanitation infrastructure are necessary to improve the reliability of water access.
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