A.S Abdullahi۱ - Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, DarulEhsan
D Ahmad۱ - Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, DarulEhsan
M.S.M Amin۱ - Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, DarulEhsan
B.G Umara۳ - Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Maiduguri Borno State, Nigeria

Nigeria’s water resources are unevenly distributed due to erratic rainfall condition and varying climate. A study was conducted on water storage and use methods in some rural communities of semi-arid northeastern Nigeria. A total of forty villages were considered in Alkaleri, Ganjuwa and TafawaBalewa and Warji Local Government Areas of Bauchi State. Rainfall in this region last within six month of April to September. In the study area water for both domestic and agricultural use are sourced from dug wells, wash bores, streams and sediment impoundment. Water declines due to over-exploitation and competition in dry season (December to May). Communities collect water from a distance of 1-3 Km. Earthen pots, gourds/calabashes, animal hides and jerry cans are used by men, women and children. Various steps taken for water safety and hygiene are boiling, filtration using cloths, long-storage (settling), wrapping containers with jute bags and use of alum. The study also found that water location and source influence method of usage. Families waste about 40 to 50 hours weekly in water collection and storage processes. The practices by the rural communities are effective but the need for low cost water use technology (LOWUTECH). This is to ensure proper hygiene and limit the time waste by communities during productive hours

Water, rural communities, methods, time, distance