(5) Turning a New Page for Africa’s Water and Development

I’ve talked about a myriad of water-related challenges in the previous few posts. How can we inspire better water and development policies? How can we break disempowering negative stereotypes? I advocate for three ways forward.

1. Talk About Solutions, Not Just Problems

On a personal level, efforts by Africa’s agencies to combat the water crisis should be celebrated to inspire individuals. As mentioned in my first blog post, conventional discourses on Africa and water development often narrate Africans as victims rather than problem-solvers. These negative stereotypes are discouraging to African audiences and beyond. In reality, there are many fantastic stories to tell about how African individuals can initiate changes. Egyptian teenager Yousry was awarded $100,000 by the African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge at COP27 for producing a smart irrigation system that saves 40% of water. Similarly, female entrepreneur Ishimwe offered adaptation solutions for floods by collecting and purifying rainwater from roofs, then distributing it to young women. Current discourses on water and development should shift from “how Global North can help Africa” to “how we can help the planet together”. 

Figure 1: Awardees of African Youth Adaption Solution Challenge 2022 at COP27. 

2. Build Mutual Understanding

On community level, we should amplify the diversity of African perspectives and sources of information. This is not to say all foreign interventions are evil or unnecessary, but to operate effectively, these actors need to gain trust and legitimacy from locals. Research on water in Africa done by foreign scholars, or aid programmes implemented by external actors may lead to undesired results, such as misplaced improved wells that do not reach their target users. Local participation in water and development projects is important since those experiencing water issues know best what they need. Development should focus on addressing the ‘felt need’ of the community - i.e. changes deemed necessary by locals, instead of the normative Western standards. 

3. Inclusive Decision Making

On national level, inclusive decision-making should be advocated. For example, links between climate, gender and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) were highlighted in COP27. Women have a greater responsibility to secure water and food for their families, so are more vulnerable to floods, injuries, male violence, or other dangers related to collecting/ using water. Therefore, discussions on water should include issues specifically faced by women. Yet only 7 of the 110 world leaders who attended COP27 were women. The gender equity imbalance diminishing the strength of negotiation outcomes. A diversity of agencies should be present at various levels of decision-making, particularly traditionally marginalised groups like women and indigenous people, so that a comprehensive solution to water issues can be developed. 

Figure 2: World leaders pose for a group photo in COP27, but there was a notable lack of women.

Can you think of other ways to improve water development in Africa?. Feel free to comment with your solutions below!