What we do
WRA has the following as its core programs or thematic focus which helps the Organization in strategically achieving its mission.
Water Research
The Organization’s research team will be involve in the following: Treatment processes for water and wastewaters, Water quality monitoring and assessment, based on chemical, physical and biological methods. Studies on inland, tidal or coastal waters and urban waters, including surface and ground waters, and point and non-point sources of pollution. The limnology of lakes, impoundments and rivers. Solid and hazardous waste management, including source characterization and the effects and control of leachates and gaseous emissions. Environmental restoration, including soil and groundwater remediation. Analysis of the interfaces between sediments and water, and water/atmosphere interactions etc.
Water Policy
Water scarcity affects more than 40 percent of people around the world, an alarming figure that is projected to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a result of climate change. Although 2.1 billion people have gained access to improved water sanitation since 1990, dwindling supplies of safe drinking water is a major problem impacting every continent.
In 2011, 41 countries experienced water stress – 10 of which are close to depleting their supply of renewable freshwater and must now rely on alternative sources. Increasing drought and desertification is already worsening these trends. By 2050, it is projected that at least one in four people will be affected by recurring water shortages. (Source: UNDP, SDG Goal 6))
Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires investment in adequate infrastructure, provision of sanitation facilities, and the encouragement of hygiene at every level. Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems such as forests, mountains, wetlands and rivers is essential if we are to mitigate water scarcity. Water for Rural Africa will pursue more international cooperation needed to encourage water efficiency and support treatment technologies in Africa. WRA will also serve as a monitoring agency for the implementation of National Water Policy of countries on the African continent.
Water Advocacy and Security
WRA will work with local partners and communities to improve access to water and sanitation and promote good hygiene. We will campaign and engage decision-makers to bring about a continent where everyone, everywhere has these essentials by 2040. Around the world, 663 million people face a daily struggle to access enough good quality water. Having no choice but to drink dirty water, and lacking enough for washing, cooking, cleaning and food production, they get sick and their education and livelihoods suffer.
Two things are critical for water security: good quality, well managed water resources and effective water supply services. Water resources cannot be easily accessed without pumps, pipes, taps, tanks and skilled people to manage them as part of a service. Similarly, water supply services alone are of little use without water resources. If either is unavailable or unreliable, people will not be water secure.
All of the fresh water resources we depend on come from the natural environment. Rain flows in rivers and is stored in lakes, the soil or vast underground layers of rock called aquifers. The quantity and quality of available water can vary over time because of changes in the natural environment or through the influence of human activity. Natural disasters also have an impact on the quantity and quality of available water as well as the continuity of services. (Source: WaterAid)
Provision of Potable Water for Rural Communities
WATER FOR RURAL AFRICA Ensuring 10 million more rural Africans have access to clean drinking water and sanitation by 2030.
