Psychological effects of water scarcity on community members: a case study of Lephalale municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa.
Water is essential for human survival and serves various purposes, including domestic, socioeconomic, and agricultural activities. However, water scarcity has emerged as a significant threat to this vital resource, posing a global challenge. While discussions surrounding the consequences of water scarcity typically emphasizes its effects on physical health and socioeconomic impacts, the mental and psychological effects on communities are often overlooked. Thus, the study aimed to explore the psychological effects of water scarcity on community members in Lephalale municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa.
Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that water scarcity has a significant psychological impact on community members. The study concludes by recommending the integration of psychological principles and involvement of mental health care practitioners when developing water management programmes, strategies, interventions, and policy. The study can provide policy makers and mental health care practitioners valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by communities affected by water scarcity. Moreover, these study findings can assist mental health care practitioners to tailor their interventions to address the specific needs of communities experiencing water scarcity, particularly community members presenting with mental health challenges associated with this issue.
Seretlo-Rangata ML, Sodi T and Govender S (2025) Psychological effects of water scarcity on community members: a case study of Lephalale municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa. Front. Psychol. 16:1537992. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1537992
