Impact Evaluation of Rural Water Supply to Sinyerere Villages, Kenya

A Journal article by David Nerubucha, a Lecturer at the Chandaria School of Business in USIU - AfricaAccording to the UN (2006: 173) , an issue with important implications for human development and global poverty reduction is how to manage water resources to meet the rising food needs while protecting the access of poor and vulnerable people to the water that sustains their livelihood. The report further cautions that ―outcomes for the poorest, most vulnerable people in society will be determined by the way institutions mediate and manage rival claims – and by whether governments put equity concerns at the centre of national policies UN (2006: 17). The report points out that two key trends are discernable, 1) as urban centers and industry increase their demand for water, agriculture is losing out, and 2) within agriculture, competition for water is intensifying. As a result, several policy options need to be considered UN (2006: 16-19) 1. Mediating through economic and political structures. 2. Balancing efficiency and equity. 3. Managing allocations and licensing 4. Balancing formal and customary rights 5. Giving more attention to equity 6. Addressing deep seated gender inequalities. 7. Reaching the poor. In addition to its use for production, water has other poverty related implications. Thus, the challenge of providing water where it is needed most is at the heart of the Millennium Development Goals. In 2002, 1.1 billion people lacked access to improved water sources such as a protected well or piped water, and an additional 2.6 billion people, approximately 40% of the global population, lack adequate sanitation (UNICEF/WHO 2004). This lack of basic services, combined with inadequate hygiene, exposes people to bacteria, viruses, and parasites in water. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) seek to reduce by half the proportion of people who do not have access to improved water sources and adequate sanitation by the year 2015 (UN 2000) in order to contribute to the goal of reducing extreme poverty also known as Target #10 UN (2004: 29). Improved access to water and sanitation is a target of Goal 7, to ensure environmental sustainability. Rheingans et.al (2006 1:31-38) note that meeting this target is essential for other aspects of poverty reduction and health improvement MDGs, through increased productivity and income generation activities (Goal 1); improved access to education, especially for girls (Goal 2); decreased water collection times for women and greater gender equity (Goal 3); reduced childhood diarrheal disease morbidity and mortality (Goal 4); decreased prevalence of vector breeding areas, disease transmission, and injuries during water collection (Goals 5 and 6); and a promotion of participatory, community-focused approaches to development (Goal 8)