Water resources
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Zulfa Abdallah, Tulinave Burton Mwamila, Josephine Gobry
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25 November 2025
221
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Understanding Behavioral Factors Linked to Pollution and Water Quality in Lake Bassotu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56542/w.jwempo.v2.i2.a11.2025
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Keywords:
Community behaviour; Climate change; Environmental degradation; Lake systems; Water resources; Water security.
Abstract
Water security in rural Tanzania is endangered not only by environmental pressures but also by the behaviors, perceptions, and norms shaping everyday water use. This study applied the RANAS model of behavior change to assess behavioral drivers of water insecurity in Lake Bassotu, complemented by water quality analysis. Data collection included household surveys (n = 384), key informant interviews (n = 7), structured observations, and laboratory testing of ten water samples. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression), while qualitative data were thematically coded in NVivo. Results revealed while 80.6% of households depend on Lake Bassotu, 77.3% perceive it as unsafe. Yet only 4.9% practice water treatment and 17.5% engage in pollution control, revealing a wide awareness–action gap. Regression analysis demonstrated that risk perception and positive attitudes significantly predicted protective behaviors, whereas weakened social norms and limited abilities reduced engagement. Laboratory findings of high turbidity (126–214 NTU), alkaline pH (9.1–9.3), and microbial contamination (66–95 CFU/100 mL) validated community concerns but underscored behavior, not awareness, as the critical barrier. Strengthening community norms, enabling actions, and linking behavioral change with governance enforcement are essential to safeguard Lake Bassotu’s water security.
