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| Photo credit: Harris Switzman |
The purpose of our WWB field assignment in Kenya was to observe first hand the impact of water policies on communities that lack basic access to clean and sustainable water. However, the trip extended far beyond its mere research significance and resulted in a plethora of unforgettable experiences and cultural exposure. I personally left with a new-found positive perspective: change lies not in the boardrooms of donor agencies, international organizations or behind closed doors of public servants' boardrooms; it lies in the adamance and perseverance of people to provide their families and communities with access to clean drinking water.
As I will be addressing in my final Masters Research Project, there has been much research and funding focused on urban centers in developing countries, in terms of adequate water provision. However, a majority of rural populations have been, as a result, excluded and marginalized. This is the case particularly as the indebted public service system is unable to financially support expanding pipelines or infrastructure, the private sector is uninterested in investing where the margin or profits are low (or non-existent) and local commercial actors are exploiting locals by charging more than public utilities would. As I like to depict it, in the concerted effort at the international and national platforms to resolve the tragedy of the commons, the poor in rural regions of developing countries are commoners left in a state of tragedy; fending for themselves for access to clean water and in some case... to just water.
As I will be addressing in my final Masters Research Project, there has been much research and funding focused on urban centers in developing countries, in terms of adequate water provision. However, a majority of rural populations have been, as a result, excluded and marginalized. This is the case particularly as the indebted public service system is unable to financially support expanding pipelines or infrastructure, the private sector is uninterested in investing where the margin or profits are low (or non-existent) and local commercial actors are exploiting locals by charging more than public utilities would. As I like to depict it, in the concerted effort at the international and national platforms to resolve the tragedy of the commons, the poor in rural regions of developing countries are commoners left in a state of tragedy; fending for themselves for access to clean water and in some case... to just water.
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| Wandiege Water Project: Consumption Rates & Costs |
I was very interested in the organization and governance mechanisms of self-help water projects we visited. I learned in some cases, they were initiated by members of these rural, poor and marginalized communities, led by a democratically chosen leader, volunteers managing funds from donors, and fully maintained and expanded by the community through charging social tariffs that ensure affordability and sustainability. Learning about the impact a small contribution from an international organization can have resonated with me. I also had the rare opportunity, on several occasions, to conduct rigorous interviews with local public officials, local community members and project coordinators, local NGOs, and greatly enjoyed the meetings with the officials at UNEP, UNHabitat and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission.
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| Director of SANA, local NGO |
If I were to choose one significant moment on the trip (hard as it is!), it would be the community prepared lunch at Abala, where each one of us felt incredibly overwhelmed with the generous hospitality. Even with little in their possession, our friends at Abala did not fail to give a lot, with the generosity of their singing, dancing and radiant smiles. The valuable experience and knowledge I gained will carry with me and will be directly incorporated into my current and future research and professional pursuits.
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| Abala Community Water Project |
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