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Hand-dug wells in rural areas of developing countries

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Abstract

The use of hand-dug wells for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes in developing countries cannot be over-emphasized. Despite increase in construction of borehole wells in both rural and urban areas, hand-dug wells remain a viable means of water supply and helps in reducing level of rural poverty. This study discussed the uses and properties of hand-dug wells which include construction methods, types, advantages, disadvantages and finally recommends some policy arena along with technical guidance that can be used to improve utilisation, management and sustainability of traditional hand-dug wells most especially in rural areas of developing countries.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Groundwater Studies, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    K. O. Ibrahim & M. Gomo

  2. Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

    K. O. Ibrahim

  3. Unit for Sustainable Water and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Central University of Technology, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    S. A. Oke

  4. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    A. R. Matamanda

Authors
  1. K. O. Ibrahim
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  2. M. Gomo
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  3. S. A. Oke
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  4. A. R. Matamanda
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Correspondence to K. O. Ibrahim.

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Ibrahim, K.O., Gomo, M., Oke, S.A. et al. Hand-dug wells in rural areas of developing countries. Sustain. Water Resour. Manag. 7, 42 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-021-00523-x

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