Quantification of Water Demand, Supply, Scarcity and Stress in Lagos Megacity, Nigeria

Keywords: Water-Demand, Water-Supply, Water-Scarcity, Water-Stress, Vulnerability, Coastal-City
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 23

Abstract

Abstract
Water resources is limited in quality and quantity. Developing countries are worst hit by this challenge, a situation that is worsened by rapid urbanization. This study was designed to estimate and assess the spatial variation of water demand, supply and scarcity and to examine the level of vulnerability to water stress in Lagos, Nigeria. Two questionnaire instruments were designed using KoboToolbox and Google-Form. Stratified and systematic sampling was adopted as sampling technique in this study for questionnaire administration. Six LGAs and Twenty-nine (29) administrative wards were selected systematically based on population density. The sampling approach by (Ader and Mellerbergh 2008) was adopted in this study. A total of 565 questionnaire were digitally distributed across six selected LGAs and wards. A mathematical model was conceptualized and solved to derive estimates for water demand, supply and scarcity at the Local Government Area (LGA) level in Lagos megacity. A model on vulnerability to water stress was adopted from literature and used in this study to assess vulnerability to water stress at the ward level and at the LGA level. Results revealed that five of the six selected LGAs were experiencing water scarcity. While low and medium levels of vulnerability to water stress was experienced across the six LGAs as well as all twenty-nine wards studied in the area. The study recommends that public water supply be prioritized and improved upon through financial investment. Integration between various sectors must be ensured to enhance sustainable development.