The rationality factor : choosing water sources according to water uses

This article reports on the findings of the first field-trial to focus on factors determining a group of Kenyan villagers' choice of water source since users in developing countries often prefer traditional rather than protected water sources. This intensive qualitative investigation of hygiene behaviour, conducted in collaboration with the Siaya Health Education Water and Sanitation Project in Western Kenya, was carried out in November-December 1993. The article outlines the participatory and traditional anthropological methods used to collect and analyze information including a "pocket chart", a set of drawings representing variables such as all known accessible water sources and various water uses, and two tables, one summarizing which water source is used for which purpose, the other summarizing the methods and materials used to collect data, the number of participants and the time taken for each activity. The study found that women choose their water source according to its intended use as determined by quality, distance, and quantity, and that although they use handpumps for drinking water, because of their limited yield they prefer traditional sources for all other uses. The article concludes that the Siaya hygiene education study shows a successful collaboration between academic researchers and project field staff, and an insight into the practical applicability of jointly executed investigative and analytical methods.