The Impact Of Water Scarcity On School Enrollment In Africa

By: Evans Asikoyo

Water is an essential component of life, and its role in education is often underestimated. In many African countries, particularly in slum communities and rural areas, the lack of access to clean and reliable water directly affects school enrollment. This challenge is further compounded by the economic hardships faced by families in these areas, many of whom depend on informal and unstable employment. The combination of water scarcity and economic strain creates a complex barrier to education that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, especially girls.

In urban slums such as Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, and Makoko in Lagos, Nigeria, schools often lack the most basic water and sanitation facilities. In Kibera, for example, the absence of clean water contributes to poor hygiene conditions, leading to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. As a result, parents are often reluctant to send their children to such unsafe learning environments. In Makoko, a community built on stilts over water, schools face constant challenges due to flooding and lack of potable water, which discourages consistent school attendance.

These communities are also characterized by high levels of informal employment. In Kenya, approximately 83% of the working population is employed in the informal sector. Many residents of Kibera engage in casual labor, small-scale vending, and domestic work—activities that offer little job security or income stability. Similarly, Nigeria’s informal sector accounts for about 65% of national employment. In Makoko, residents rely on fishing, petty trade, and other unregulated forms of employment. These economic constraints limit families’ ability to prioritize education, as children are often needed to supplement household income or assist with domestic chores, including fetching water from distant sources.

In rural areas, the situation is no better. In Ethiopia, about 70% of the labor force is employed in agriculture, a sector that remains vulnerable to climate variability and lacks reliable income. In Uganda, agriculture also dominates the rural economy, but youth unemployment stands at approximately 13.3% nationally, with rates significantly higher in isolated areas. These employment challenges affect educational outcomes, as children in rural families are frequently tasked with fetching water, working on farms, or caring for siblings while their parents work.

The impact of water scarcity on school enrollment is particularly severe for girls. In many African societies, girls are responsible for collecting water, a task that can take several hours each day. This not only reduces the time available for schooling but also contributes to high dropout rates. Moreover, schools that lack proper sanitation facilities are often unable to support menstruating girls, further increasing absenteeism and school withdrawal.

To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed. Governments must invest in water infrastructure in schools by drilling boreholes, installing rainwater harvesting systems, and providing clean sanitation facilities. Additionally, partnerships with NGOs and private sector organizations can help fund and implement sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs. These programs have proven to improve school attendance, particularly among girls.

Furthermore, improving economic conditions in slum and rural areas is crucial. Policies that promote decent work, vocational training, and small enterprise development can help reduce the economic pressures that force children out of school. When families are financially stable and schools are equipped with clean water, education becomes a more viable and attractive option.

In conclusion, water scarcity and economic hardship are two intertwined barriers to school enrollment in many African communities. By ensuring that schools have access to clean and reliable water—and by addressing the employment challenges that families face—governments and stakeholders can pave the way for increased enrollment and a brighter future for Africa’s children. Education should not be a privilege dependent on clean water; it should be a guaranteed right supported by it.

Author: Evans Asikoyo

An education commentator in Kenya.

evansasikoyo@gmail.com