Abstract:

The focus of this paper is on the impact of microcredit system (a part of microfinance) on access to water and sanitation among the rural communities in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The introduction of microcredit in the region was expected to deepen access to basic water and sanitation infrastructure that would have been otherwise beyond the reach of many rural households. It was enthusiastically suggested as a sustainable alternative to government intervention, and a tool of bridging the gap in the sector. However, the reality of water and sanitation inadequacies are still feasible in many rural communities after the initial euphoria. We examined the challenges facing its use, as well as highlight areas where it had recorded some successes. It concluded by proffering way towards improving access to water and sanitation in SSA, especially in the rural and peri-urban areas.