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Water at USAID: From Ridge to Reef
As the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end, there remains no doubt about either the critical importance of water resources to every aspect of life on Earth, or the enormity of the water-related challenges currently facing global society. Despite many successful water projects, billions of people still lack adequate water and sanitation; pollution and over-exploitation threaten rivers, lakes and oceans; and water insecurity hinders efforts to foster economic growth in the developing world.
USAID is committed to addressing these challenges, and creating a water secure world in which every society enjoys access to an acceptable quantity and quality of water to meet human, livelihood, production, and ecosystem needs.
Guided by a new “Framework for Action”, USAID is working to meet this goal through an integrated, “ridge to reef” approach that uses Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles to address water issues in each of the following sectors:
The impact of water on all aspects of development is undeniable. The health, economic, and social consequences of water deficits in both quantity and quality for all users and for the environment are enormous and linked to many U.S. foreign assistance priorities in tangible and substantive ways. As a result, forging a water secure world is an essential step in all of USAID’s development goals, including:
- Economic Growth and Agricultural Development
A large proportion of people in the poorest countries derive their livelihoods from agriculture, a sector that currently consumes more than seventy percent of available global water resources. Broad-based, equitable economic growth is the most effective means of bringing poor, disadvantaged and marginalized groups into the mainstream of an expanding economy. To achieve this, USAID encourages more rapid and enhanced agricultural development and food security, often involving improved irrigation or water conservation activities. In other areas of economic growth, including the industrial and service sectors, a reliable, high quality source of freshwater is required. Effective management of water pollution from these sources, and water use efficiency in these activities both have direct and significant economic implications as well.
- Democracy and Good Governance
Broad-based participation and democratic processes are integral elements of sustainable development. They encourage individuals and societies to take responsibility for their own progress, ensure open and transparent access to and use of information, and foster citizen participation in the policy-making process. These approaches help ensure fairer uses of shared resources and more equitable access to water resources, taking into account the needs and concerns of local communities in the allocation and payment for water services (including those provided by aquatic ecosystems). To promote democracy, USAID supports the development of more transparent and accountable government institutions and local level management of community services for water supply and sanitation, wastewater treatment facilities, and irrigation infrastructure. USAID also promotes equitable access to water resources and full participation in decision-making by both men and women.
- Human Capacity-building through Education and Training
The development of human capacity enables people to participate effectively in matters affecting their lives. Increasing human capacity through education, training and improved access to information is essential for sustained social and economic progress in all aspects of water resources management. In addition, expanded and improved capacity building in water supply and sanitation hygiene for girls and women contributes to improved family health and household economies, and the enhanced status of women. USAID also supports the application of research and technology derived from U.S. institutions to sustainable development programs, particularly in the areas of flood forecast technology, aquaculture, agriculture and irrigation. These often include a substantial training and capacity building component.
- World Population Stabilization and Human Health Protection
Healthy families are essential to sustainable development. When people are nourished and free from the ravages of infectious diseases, they can contribute more fully to their own social and economic progress and to that of their nations. An estimated three to four million people die each year of water-related disease. Given that most of these cases could have been prevented by improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene, the importance of sustainable water resources management to USAID’s health portfolio becomes clear. The improved health status of women and girls also plays a critical role in child survival, family welfare, economic productivity and population stabilization.
- Global Environmental Protection and Long-term Sustainability
Environmental degradation threatens human health, undermines long-term economic growth and impairs critical ecological systems upon which sustainable development depends. Addressing environmental issues in water resources management builds public/private sector partnerships; increases public awareness through education and training; crosses gender, cultural and class lines; stretches across the political spectrum; and strengthens civil societies. The loss of biodiversity, spread of pollutants, use of toxic chemicals, and the decline of fish stocks in the oceans can lead to instability and conflict, which may become serious and direct threats to global security interests. Therefore, careful management of water resources is essential if investments in development are to yield sustainable benefits.
- Saving Lives and Reducing Suffering Associated with Disasters
Crises, whether natural or man-made, destroy the resources individuals, families or nations might otherwise commit to social and economic progress. Natural disasters usually have their greatest impact on the poor, women and children. Adoption of adaptation measures such as hydrological and water quality monitoring, and sound planning and construction of water delivery facilities in disaster-prone areas can help save lives and property loss.
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