Socio-Economic Impacts of Water Scarcity on Households in Zinder, Niger Republic

Abstract

Water scarcity is a critical development challenge across the Sahel and has profound socio-economic consequences for urban households. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the socio-economic impacts of water scarcity on households in Zinder, Niger Republic, using data and findings from a recent field study (Fatahou, 2025). The study combined semi-structured interviews, seven self-administered key-informant questionnaires, focus-group discussions and direct observation in the Garin Malam and Kara-Kara quarters neighborhoods identified as most affected. Key results show limited network coverage (≈44% household connection), reliance on water resellers (“ga-rua”), spatial inequities in service, and a strong link between supply interruptions and economic strain (higher water prices, time lost fetching water, disrupted micro-enterprise activity). Households frequently adopt coping strategies storage, sending children to fetch water, and purchasing from vendors that have measurable opportunity costs (lost schooling, reduced labor time) and increase vulnerability. Findings align with regional evidence linking drought/climate variability to worsened household water security and economic loss. Policy recommendations include targeted investment in decentralized supply (boreholes and rain-harvest systems), pro-poor pricing and subsidies, improved data for demand planning, and strengthened governance to reduce inequities.