International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Fragile and conflict-affected settings continue to face acute barriers to achieving sustainable access to safe water and sanitation services in some parts of Borno State, Nigeria. This study examines the outcomes of the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) supported water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project implemented across Gwoza, Magumeri, and Kaga Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State, Nigeria, regions characterised by prolonged insecurity, population displacement, and weakened service delivery systems. The evaluation analyses the successes achieved, constraints encountered, and lessons learned in the pursuit of sustainable and community-owned WASH service delivery. Using mixed methods, including field observations, key informant interviews, beneficiary surveys, infrastructure functionality assessments, and water quality testing. The study presents evidence on the project’s performance and its implications for future programming. Findings show that the rehabilitation and construction of water points and sanitation facilities significantly improved access to safe water and basic sanitation for displaced and host populations. Water quality analyses conducted across the three LGAs indicated that most rehabilitated sources met WHO/FAO guideline values for microbial and physicochemical parameters, demonstrating the effectiveness of technical interventions and water safety measures. However, challenges such as periodic security disruptions, limited supply chain access, high population mobility, and infrastructure vandalism affected the consistency of service delivery and long-term functionality. The study also highlights the critical role of community engagement, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. The establishment and training of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs), integration of local artisans, and collaboration with government institutions enhanced local ownership, strengthened operation and maintenance systems, and improved accountability. Yet, gaps remain in harmonising community structures with formal local government WASH units, securing financing for spare parts, and ensuring inclusive participation, particularly among women. Drawing from these insights, the paper proposes actionable recommendations for strengthening WASH interventions in fragile environments. These include adopting conflict-sensitive service delivery models, institutionalizing community-led monitoring, establishing resilient supply chains for repair materials, integrating water safety planning into routine practice, and prioritizing strategic partnerships that reinforce government leadership while safeguarding community ownership. The lessons from the GFFO project underscore the need for flexible, context-specific, and sustainability-focused approaches to ensure that safe water and sanitation services endure amid fragility.