GIS Mapping of Potable Water Access in Rural Sokoto State

Access to clean potable water in rural North West Nigeria remains far below national and global targets. This study maps potable water access in three rural LGAs in Sokoto State, namely Wurno, Silame, and Goronyo, using GIS analysis of water point location data. Water point inventory data collected through the Sokoto State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency's monitoring programme are geo-referenced and categorised by functionality status (functional, non-functional, seasonal). Voronoi polygon and buffer analyses estimate the proportion of rural households residing more than 1 kilometre from a functional water source. Results indicate that over 52 percent of settlements rely on unimproved water sources or functional water points located beyond recommended distances. Non-functional boreholes constitute 31 percent of the total water point inventory, representing significant underutilised assets. Spatial hotspots of water access deprivation are identified and prioritised for rehabilitation investment. The study is intended to guide the Sokoto State Government and development partner organisations including UNICEF and WaterAid in strategic water access planning. Keywords: water access, GIS, rural water supply, Sokoto State, borehole mapping