Empower-Wash

EMPOWERWASH-AFRICA

Empowered WASH Systems at District-level in Africa

Background

In many African countries, access to adequate drinking water andsanitation services poses a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas. Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected, with 400 million people lacking a reliable source of drinking water. Only 46% of the rural population and 81% of the urban population have access todrinking water. Disparities between urban and rural areas are even more pronounced in sanitation, with only 24% of rural residents having access to improved facilities (such as latrines), compared to 42% in urban areas. This disparity is concerning and underscores the urgent need to improve access to water and sanitation in rural areas, especially considering that 80% of the sub-Saharan African population resides there.

After 40 years of existence, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) has realized that its actions have primarily focused on urban areas. Aligning with SDG 6, which advocates for leaving noone behind by ensuring universal access to adequate water and sanitation services, a review of the AfWASA’s intervention strategy has become necessary to include rural areas. It is in this context, with the support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (CNHF), that AfWASA is committed to bridging this gap through the implementation of the EMPOWERWASH-AFRICA program.

Objectives

Improve stakeholders’ understanding of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems at the rural district level and identify best practices and challenges in service delivery.

Share best practices in WASH service delivery at the rural district level.

Generate new knowledge on WASH systems at the rural district level through research (small grants) and Communities of Practice (CoPs)

Components of the program

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Component 1

Create and disseminate knowledge products and best practices onDistrict-level WASH services

Component 2

Developing partnerships and mentoring relationships between thedistricts involved

Component 3

AfWASA Fellowship Program

Implementation strategy

The overall strategy will comprise three (03) levels of operation:

(i) General coordination at the AfWASA headquarters in Abidjan.

(ii) Data collection and detailed reporting on best practices and lessons learned regarding rural water and sanitation services, with support from IRC WASH.

(iii) Peer learning activities facilitated by regional implementing partners