CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
This study will adopt a descriptive cross-sectional research design. This design is
appropriate as it enables the collection of data at a single point in time, providing a
snapshot of the relationship between population growth and water scarcity in Ggaba.
Both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be used to ensure a comprehensive
understanding of the issue.
3.2 Study Area
The study will be conducted in Ggaba, a neighborhood located in Makindye Division,
Kampala District, Uganda. Ggaba is a densely populated urban area near Lake Victoria
and is home to the Ggaba Water Works, a key water treatment and distribution center for
Kampala. It experiences rapid population growth and increasing demand for water
services.
3.3 Target Population
The target population will include:
- Households residing in Ggaba
- Local community leaders
- Officials from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC)
- Environmental NGOs operating in the area
- Water vendors and related small business operators
- Government authorities involved in water resource management and urban planning
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
A total sample size of 100 respondents will be selected. Sampling methods will include:
- Purposive sampling for key informants such as NWSC staff, local leaders, and NGO
representatives.
- Simple random sampling for households to ensure fair representation.
- Snowball sampling for community members actively involved in water conservation
initiatives or advocacy.
3.5 Data Collection Methods
Data will be collected using a combination of tools:
- Structured questionnaires administered to households to gather quantitative data on
water access, usage, and challenges.
- Semi-structured interviews with key informants to provide qualitative insights on
population pressure and water resource management.
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with selected community groups to explore collective
experiences and opinions.
- Direct observation to record physical conditions of water sources, storage facilities, and
sanitation practices.
3.6 Data Analysis Techniques
Quantitative data will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and graphs will be
generated.
Qualitative data from interviews and FGDs will be analyzed through thematic content
analysis, identifying key themes and patterns relevant to the research objectives.
3.7 Ethical Considerations
Ethical integrity will be maintained by:
- Obtaining informed consent from all participants.
- Ensuring anonymity and confidentiality of the data collected.
- Allowing participants to voluntarily withdraw at any stage of the study.
- Seeking ethical approval from a recognized research ethics board before beginning
fieldwork.