Policy Analysis of Water Resource Management and its Implication for Environmental Sustainability in Katsina State, Nigeria

This study investigated water resource management in Katsina State, Nigeria, a semi-arid region facing intertwined environmental, public health, and socioeconomic challenges. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative survey data from 520 households across 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) with qualitative insights from 18 key informants and 8 focus groups. The survey revealed a strong reliance on groundwater, with 67.3% of households using boreholes or wells. However, this dependence is marred by frequent water shortages (58.7%), perceived water unsafety (62.1%), and a high incidence of waterborne diseases (43.2%). Women and children bear the brunt of water collection, traveling an average of 1.8 km. Awareness of water policies, such as the SURWASH program, was notably low. Qualitative data underscored governance issues like fragmented institutions, weak enforcement, and limited community involvement. Focus groups identified a lack of effective grievance mechanisms and accountability among water committees. Environmentally, while many LGAs are Open Defecation Free (ODF), groundwater contamination is a concern due to inadequate separation between wells and latrines (average 11.4 meters), indicating a gap between policy and practice. The study concludes that despite policy reforms in Katsina State, significant implementation deficits persist, affecting regulatory enforcement, inter-institutional coordination, and community participation. To enhance environmental sustainability, it is recommended to strengthen the regulatory capacity of SEPA, enforce stricter standards for well and latrine separation, establish robust community feedback systems, and integrate climate resilience into water sector planning. The effectiveness of water policies is contingent on implementation structures and genuine community engagement.