Rural Water Schemes Functionality and Influencing Factors in South Gondar Zone, Northwest of Amhara Region, 2024

In Ethiopia, considerable efforts have been made to improve and expand access to safe, adequate, and sustainable water supplies in rural communities. However, there is scant information about functional rural water schemes and influencing factors in the study areas. This study aimed to assess functionality of rural water schemes and factors influencing rural water schemes in South Gondar Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10, 2024, to June 5, 2024 in about 2991 water schemes. All of the rural water schemes from the selected six districts were included. A mixed quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Data were collected using mWater App. Frequency and percentage were computed. Binary logistics regression modeling was used. Relevant quotes from the qualitative study were used to support the quantitative finding. About 57.7% (95% CI=55.9-59.4%) water points were found fully functional. Woreda in which the water scheme located, AOR 2.46[1.50, 4.04], responsible for this scheme management AOR 1.59 [1.02, 2.49], fenced scheme AOR 3.51[2.60, 4.75], mechanism to collect money AOR 1.92 [1.43, 2.58], management has open bank account AOR 2.23[1.45, 3.44], scheme has guard AOR 2.75[2.03, 3.73], source regularly treated, payment for fetching were found significantly associated with functionality of rural water scheme. Hence, there is a need to execute activities like strengthen of WASHCOs, establishing bank accounts, fencing schemes, availing proper functioning management, collecting reasonable payments, and regular water source treatment to improve rural water functionality.