Barriers and Challenges in the Implementation of Decentralized Solar Water Disinfection Treatment Systems – a Case of Ghana

Decentralized solar water disinfection systems (DSODIS) in continuous flow systems are alternatives for large-scale improved water access in rural contexts. However, DSODIS in rural Ghana are limited. Exploratory sequential mixed-methods design (QUAL→QUAN) was used to explore the enablers and barriers as well as reported barrier perceptions to effective implementation of DSODIS in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district (STK) of Ghana. The qualitative data (26 respondents) were analyzed thematically, and the quantitative data (1155 household heads) were subjected to a Poisson regression analysis. Enablers were categorized into themes as willingness to pay for DSODIS, household and community participation, and willingness to use water from DSODIS. Similarly, the barriers include environmental barriers, technological barriers, economic barriers, and political and legal barriers. Household characteristics such as main water source and income, age group, education, marital status, household size, born in community, and lived in the community are statistically associated with reported barrier perceptions. Households with unimproved water sources and high income (IRR=1.432, P=0.000) and improved water sources and high income (IRR=1.295, P=0.000) are, respectively, 43% and 30% more likely to report more barrier perceptions compared with households with unimproved water sources and low income. Females (IRR=1.070, P=0.032) are marginally more likely to report more barrier perceptions compared with males. The model output also indicates that household heads with higher educational attainment (IRR=1.152, P=0.001) are 15% more likely to report more barrier perceptions compared with those with no formal education. The findings provide valuable information to policymakers and stakeholders aimed at providing quality water in rural Ghana, where centralized systems cannot be installed.