RESILIENCE AND RESISTANCE IN URBAN WATER PLANNING: A MATERIAL FLOW ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC WATER CONSUMPTION IN JOS METROPOLITAN AREA, NIGERIA

Urban water systems in developing cities face increasing pressure from rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate variability. This study examines the resilience and resistance of domestic water consumption in the Jos Metropolitan Area (JMA), using the Material Flow Analysis (MFA) framework. Data were obtained through a household survey of 400 respondents, supported by supply records from the Plateau State Water Board. The findings reveal an average per capita consumption of 44.6 liters per day, an average household size of 5 persons, and an estimated 20% water loss due to leakages and inefficient distribution. The Resistance Index (0.80) indicates strong short-term stability, suggesting that households effectively cope with supply interruptions through storage and alternative sourcing. However, the Resilience Index (0.62) reflects moderate recovery and limited adaptive capacity, constrained by infrastructural decay, unequal access, and weak institutional coordination. The combined MFA and resilience assessment highlight a system that is robust yet inflexible able to endure short-term shocks but slow to recover sustainably. The study recommends infrastructure renewal, data-driven planning, and community-based adaptation to enhance long-term water resilience. Integrating MFA into local governance frameworks can strengthen monitoring, reduce losses, and promote sustainable urban water management in Jos and similar mid-sized African cities.