"Quenching the thirst of others while suffering": the health and psychosocial impacts of informal water vending in Ghana and Kenya
Topics:
Keywords: informal work, qualitative approach, water and health
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract
Authors:
FLORENCE ABE-IYEL DERY, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario
Elijah Bisung, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario
Sarah Dickin, Stockholm Environment Institute
Ophelia Soluku, UBIDS
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Abstract
In many low- and middle-income nations, informal water enterprises (often known as water vendors) have evolved as a component of urban water infrastructure systems to address the water demands of underserved urban populations. These vendors include those who operate water tankers, those who sell water from personal standpipes and boreholes, and those who move water around for sale using hand carts, bicycles, and tricycles. But little is known about how their work affects their physical health and happiness. In this essay, we investigate how embodied experience can improve our comprehension of acceptable employment opportunities and access to water in Sub-Saharan African metropolitan centres. In three locations, Accra, Wa (Ghana), and Kisumu (Kenya), the study evaluates the health concerns connected with informal water vending. We employed in-depth interviews to examine the viewpoints of 21 local stakeholders as well as the lived experiences of 59 water vendors. The main risks faced by water vendors were injuries, environmental contamination, stigma, and work-life balance. The harsh weather, difficult physical terrain, and mistreatment from consumers were complaints made by vendors who bring water in containers using bicycles or hand-pushed carts as well as those who carry water about. Female water vendors face unique physical threats that could increase their risk of long-term health and safety effects. Findings from this research are crucial for developing programmes for women's empowerment, inclusive growth, and social protection measures.
"Quenching the thirst of others while suffering": the health and psychosocial impacts of informal water vending in Ghana and Kenya
Category
Paper Abstract