Determinants of household adoption of water treatment and safe storage technologies among pastoral communities in Tanzania

Abstract

Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) technologies play a crucial role in ensuring safe drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases. However, among pastoral communities, in Tanzania, the adoption of these technologies remains low due to various socio-economic and cultural challenges. Therefore, the present study examines the factors influencing the adoption of HWTS technologies among rural households in Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 350 respondents across two villages, Oleng’wadu and Ilikirimuni, in Meru district, through structured questionnaires, and analyzed by descriptive and Probit regression model. Findings revealed that most households rely on public tap water (49%), followed by rainwater (22%) and private taps (18%). Adoption of HWTS is mainly due to microbial contamination (32%) and visible dirtiness of water (31%). Non-adoption is linked to absence of illness from water (26%) and perceived water cleanliness (20.7%). Boiling is the most common HWTS method (49.5%), followed by settling (19.7%) and filtering (8.9%). Regression results show HWTS adoption increases with education (0.5039), age (0.2037), and loan access (5.3578). Adoption is also influenced by awareness (0.4372), unsafe water perception (0.4585), and disease experience like amoeba (0.6436). These results suggest that to increase the uptake of HWTS, it is essential to promote community-based education that enhances awareness and corrects risk perceptions about unsafe water. Financial support mechanisms such as subsidies and microloans should be introduced to improve affordability. Strengthening distribution systems will ensure HWTS products are consistently available, especially in rural areas. Lastly, integrating HWTS into public health policies and encouraging community participation will foster long-term adoption.