Strathmore University Showcases Groundbreaking EcoRural Research at AfWASA Congress in Kampala

Strathmore University Business School (SBS), through its Water Governance and Innovation Hub, led the EcoRural Project in presenting cutting-edge research at the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) Congress and Exhibition in Kampala, Uganda. As the lead project partner, (SBS) played a pivotal role in advancing discussions on sustainable rural water management, drawing insights from two compelling case studies in Kenya and Ghana.

Funded by the IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme (WDPP), the EcoRural Project’s research highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and innovative approaches to improving rural water service delivery across Africa.

Key Research Findings: Case Studies from Kenya & Ghana

1. Complexities of Community-Based Management in Rural Water Services: The Case of SICOWAP, Siaya, Kenya. Presented by William Tsapka, this study explored the challenges of Community-Based Management (CBM) in rural water systems. The findings revealed that:

• Social hierarchies and power dynamics influence water governance, often placing decision-making in the hands of a few individuals, which can exclude marginalized groups such as women and youth.
• Gender norms continue to be a major barrier, with women frequently responsible for water collection but having little say in management decisions.
• Financial sustainability remains a challenge, as many community-led projects struggle with revenue collection, maintenance costs, and accountability.
• Training and capacity-building efforts are needed to empower local water committees with technical and financial management skills to ensure sustainability.

2. Sustaining Rural Water: An Interdisciplinary Approach in Ghana. Asare Boakye-Ansah of Kumasi Technical University presented an analysis of the social, economic, and technical challenges affecting rural water systems in Ghana. The study emphasized:

• The economic burden of maintaining rural water infrastructure, with many communities lacking the funds to repair broken-down systems, leading to reliance on unsafe water sources.
• The impact of climate variability on water access, as seasonal droughts and erratic rainfall patterns reduce water availability and place pressure on existing sources.
• Technical inefficiencies, including aging infrastructure and poor maintenance, lead to frequent breakdowns and service interruptions.
• The need for stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and communities to create financing mechanisms that ensure reliable, long-term service provision.

The AfWASA Session generated thought-provoking discussions on rural water management, emphasizing the following as critical issues:

• The need to assess the status of rural water services and identify critical gaps. Many rural areas lack up-to-date data on water service levels, making it difficult to design targeted interventions. There is an urgent need for regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress and improve decision-making.
• The power of interdisciplinary approaches in improving service provision. Sustainable rural water solutions require a blend of technical, social, economic, and environmental expertise. Collaboration between engineers, sociologists, economists, and policymakers can lead to more holistic and lasting interventions.
• Strategies for optimizing operations and performance management. Implementing real-time data collection systems can help communities detect and address issues before they escalate. Strengthening local leadership structures can improve accountability and efficiency in service delivery.
• The importance of evidence-based decision-making in water governance. Research findings should inform policy formulation at both local and national levels. There is a need to bridge the gap between academia and policymakers, ensuring that research translates into practical solutions.
• The role of effective planning and policy development in enhancing rural water sustainability. Policies must recognize the unique needs and challenges of rural communities, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches. Governments should invest in long-term financial models that support ongoing maintenance and infrastructure development.

The session, convened by Dr. Akosua Sarpong Boakye-Ansah of IHE Delft School for Water Education and chaired by Dr. Irene Ngunjiri of Strathmore University, underscored the need for evidence-based research and integrated solutions to tackle rural water management challenges.

The insights gathered from the AfWASA Congress will continue to shape the EcoRural Project’s research and implementation strategies. By tackling the root causes of rural water system failures and championing inclusive management practices, the project remains committed to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)—ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

Article by Purity Kerubo