GIS Approach for the Analysis of the Socio-Sanitary Stakes of Water Use in the Lobo Watershed in Nibehibe (Central-Western Côte d'Ivoire)

Water is a precious natural resource that is essential for many uses, but its quality is faced with several problems, including pollution linked to human activities, hence the need to contribute to improving the quality of drinking water. Given the importance of the resource, the health of the population in terms of hygiene needs and the quality of the water consumed is paramount. It is within this framework that this work falls within the scope of this project, the objective of which is to analyze the health impacts to which the populations are exposed due to the use of water in the Lobo watershed in Nibéhibé. To achieve this objective, the working method was based on literature review and field surveys. The documentary research consisted in circumscribing the contours of the subject in order to better understand it. As for the field surveys, they were dominated by interviews and a questionnaire addressed to households and health structures. Using the simple random selection method without discount and the use of a statistical equation, we found a sample of 384 households to be surveyed, distributed in three departments (Daloa, Vavoua and Zoukougbeu). Population surveys, combined with spatially referenced data under GIS, made it possible to assess not only the spatial distribution of the importance of water-related diseases, but also the areas at health risk. The results highlighted health risk indicators that expose households to water-related diseases linked to the mode of water supply. Also, the contraction of these diseases by households is due to the uncontrolled use of multiple uses and the risky behavior of the population with regard to hygiene and sanitation practices. In addition, we note that those in rural areas are the most affected because of the insufficient level of access to drinking water and adequate sanitation. Thus, these diseases cause great loss of human life and contribute to the disorganization of the social structure.