An education and training programme as a strategy to improve consumers knowledge and operation towards basic water utilization

Abstract

Background The North West Province, especially the rural areas, is known for nitrogenous pollution in their water. The inhabitants of Madibogo were identified as a vulnerable group and, therefore, Madibogo was chosen as a suitable area to conduct a multidisciplinary study. The findings from the previous studies conducted in the Madibogo area by the North-West University (NWU) revealed that Madibogo consumers have limited knowledge of water-related issues. They experienced challenges on determining the water quality, evaluating water treatment methods, understanding of water policies and their rights as water consumers. The findings of previous studies further indicated that there was no water education and training programme in place. Therefore, there is a need for an intervention such as the Water Education and Training Programme (WET-Programme) to educate the consumers on the mentioned water issues. The researchers developed the WET-Programme for Madibogo water consumers to address water quality, water quantity, household water utilisation and the Free Basic Water Policy (FBWP) of government. Aim and objectives The aim of the study was to determine whether the WET-Programme could influence the consumers' knowledge and skills towards water and rural water service provision. The objectives of the study included the following: To develop a standardised knowledge questionnaire as a baseline for knowledge measurement. To implement the WET-Programme as a way of equipping community members with the knowledge and skills which are necessary to assist them to function effectively in their households within the community. To determine the effectiveness of the WET-Programme in: * Improving the consumers' knowledge and skills as well as the programme. * Quality (analyse the impact of the facilitator and facilitation process on the outcomes of the workshop). To make recommendations after presentation of the WET-Programme on improvements to be made for further use. Method The study employed the intervention research strategy. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology to collect data from the consumers. For the quantitative method, a standardised questionnaire (valid and reliable) was developed and used as the main data-collecting tool and completed before and after the presentation of the programme. The qualitative research approach used complemented the quantitative approach. The qualitative data from focus groups were recorded and then transcribed and analysed. Participants were allowed to reflect on their learning experience through discussions. The Facilitator Assessment Scale (FAS) was used to measure the quality of the programme. Results The knowledge questionnaire was used before and after the workshop to measure change in the knowledge of participants. The participants' knowledge improved in a practical reliable manner. It was also clear from the qualitative measurements that their skills improved. The workshop evaluation indicated that the facilitator was good, the learning material was appropriate, learning took place and the course had a positive influence on the participants. Recommendations The following recommendations should be considered for further research: This study can be repeated in other regions of the North West Province. The translation of WET-Programmes to indigenous languages is essential to accommodate all water consumers. Information needs to be made available to all role players on local, provincial and national levels. Conclusion Education and training must be part of the total water provision process as it can contribute towards the empowerment of the community to function as independent, informed and responsible consumers regarding their water usage.