Bottom-Up Approaches to Rural Water Security

Evidence from a Community-Based WASH Project in Nigeria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jscd.002080


Keywords:

Case Study, Community Participation, Nigeria, Rural Development, WASH, Water Sustainability

Abstract

Access to clean water remains a critical challenge in rural Nigeria, with over 60 million people lacking safe drinking water. This study examines a bottom-up, community-based WASH intervention implemented by the Rural Nurture Initiative in rural communities in southwestern Nigeria. Employing a qualitative single case study approach, the research used in-depth interviews with local leaders and focus group discussions with project beneficiaries. Results revealed that community participation in project design, implementation, and monitoring fostered a sense of ownership and contributed to project sustainability. Community preference for well water infrastructure over solar boreholes highlighted the importance of contextually appropriate technology selection. Additionally, WASH education components significantly improved hygiene practices among beneficiaries. The study concludes that participatory approaches to rural water provision are essential for sustainable community development and recommends that policies promoting community ownership and participatory water resource management be advanced to address water challenges in rural Nigeria.

Author Biographies

Damilola Olajubutu , Oregon State University

is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rural Nurture Initiative (RNI), where she also serves as Principal Investigator of the Rural Research and Policy Lab (RRPL), and as the Principal Coordinator of the African Rural Development Network (ARDN). She is a rural development and public policy professional currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Public Policy at Oregon State University, USA. Her research interests include rural development policy, agricultural and food systems, digital innovation in rural development, rural health systems and water security, youth and women empowerment, participatory governance, and community-based development. (email: damilola.olajubutu@rnionline.org).

Happiness Opeyemi Agboola, Rural Nurture Initiative

is a public health researcher and health systems professional who serves as Associate Coordinator of the Rural Research & Policy Lab (Health Systems & Water Sustainability) at the Rural Nurture Initiative (RNI), Ibadan, Nigeria. He holds an MSc in Public Health from Birmingham City University, United Kingdom. His research interests include primary health care systems strengthening, maternal and child health, infectious disease epidemiology, health systems informatics, social and behaviour change communication (SBCC), rural health systems, water sustainability, and community-based public health interventions. (email: h.agboola@rnionline.org).

John Adeleye , Sapphire Virtual Network Limited

is an IT Project Manager at Sapphire Virtual Network Limited (SVNL). He holds a BSc and MSc degree and is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) with experience delivering cross-functional technology and digital transformation projects. His expertise spans project management, technology governance, and programme delivery, and he is particularly enthusiastic about overseeing grant award and funding programme activities that support structured execution and measurable impact. (email: j.adeleye@rnionline.org).

 

Ayodeji Oladimeji, Rural Nurture Initiative

is the Deputy Executive Director of Rural Nurture Initiative (RNI) and a pioneer Senior Membership and Engagement Associate at the African Rural Development Network (ARDN).  A trained public health professional with a background in Health Education and growing competence in Health Law and Policy, his work sits at the intersection of research, advocacy, and community action. He has led and supported programmes in health promotion, risk communication, and grassroots mobilisation, with a strong commitment to translating evidence into practical solutions for underserved populations. His research interests include non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, and sustainable community development. (email: a.oladimeji@rnionline.org).

Feranmi Adebunmi, Rural Nurture Initiative

serves on the Board of Trustees of the Rural Nurture Initiative as Director of Finance. She is a trained pharmacist and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Ibadan. Her work focuses on community development and public health initiatives. She combines professional expertise with organizational leadership in advancing rural welfare programs. (email: adebunmiferanmideborah@gmail.com).

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Published

2026-03-21

How to Cite

Olajubutu , D., Agboola, H. O., Adeleye , J., Oladimeji, A., & Adebunmi, F. (2026). Bottom-Up Approaches to Rural Water Security: Evidence from a Community-Based WASH Project in Nigeria. Journal of Social and Community Development, 3(01), 65–81. https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jscd.002080

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Vol. 3 No. 01 (2026): Journal of Social and Community Development

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Copyright (c) 2026 Damilola Olajubutu , Happiness Opeyemi Agboola, John Adeleye , Ayodeji Oladimeji, Feranmi Adebunmi

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