GIS Applications for Assessing Spatial Distribution of Boreholes and Hand Dug Wells in Boroboro Community, Atiba Local Government, Oyo State

Abstract

Shortage of water supply and quality has become a major global concern as a result of rapid population growth; industrial activities, agricultural expansion and currently climate change. As urbanization increases, so thus, human consumption and demand for water continue increases. Boroboro community is a sub-urban settlement which has a major challenge in supply of water because of limited number of boreholes and hand–dug wells as well as effect of season variation in the community. This research is aimed at mapping and assessing the spatial distribution of boreholes and hand-dug wells in Boroboro community using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The spatial distribution of the boreholes and hand dug wells were determined using hand-held GPS. The data generated was analyzed using ArcGIS 10.3 software and the buffering of the boreholes and hand-dug wellswere overlaid to know those who have access to both the boreholes and the hand dug well. The result shows as the community expands, the distance to the existing and available boreholes and hand dug wells increases. It is recommended government should assist in the provision of potable water through sitting of hand dug wells and boreholes with good depth in the study area.