Water : systems, sustainability and economic impact

These papers discuss questions raised at Save the Children Fund's (SCF) water policy meeting held in Malawi in 1993. Their overall aim is to explore the changing operational context and its implications for SCF's policy and practice. The first paper, "Institutional Issues", looks at some of the institutional issues in relation to rural water supplies including the need for a multisectoral approach (water, sanitation, and hygiene education) involving agencies with varied responsibilities, and a multi-level approach involving the national level, regional/local authorities, communities, the private sector, and NGOs. The paper also outlines the purpose of decentralization, structural adjustments including deregulation measures, and the necessity for minimum standards and levels of technology. The second paper, "Interventions in the Water Sector", argues that there is a lack of clarity about the roles of all the players hoping to make a contribution to the development of adequate and sustainable water supply systems. Using examples from Malawi, the paper sets out clearly the roles that should be adopted by national governments, donors, NGOs, and the community, analysing mistakes and failings and suggesting solutions. The final paper, "The Economic Uses of Water and Implications for SCF", highlights some of the relationships between man and water where possible interventions by SCF could be of benefit to children, such as in agriculture to improve nutrition or generate income. The paper concludes that the environmental impact of all projects should be closely monitored and that projects should be designed for maximum economic and social benefits to the community.