scholarly journals Solar-powered water systems for vulnerable rural communities: Alleviating water scarcity in Iraq

2021 ◽  
pp. 143-160
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-khateeb ◽  
Ali Alkhateeb
Keyword(s):  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Northern Iraq ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Water Provision ◽  
Solar Powered

Abstract Deteriorating water quality and decreasing water quantity are causing a water crisis in Iraq. The crisis is having a profoundly negative impact on people's livelihoods and on the economy. In the most water-stressed areas, vulnerable people have had to move from rural areas where water is scarce to urban areas, placing additional pressure on the water supply. To mitigate the impact of water scarcity on the most vulnerable people in rural areas, the United Nations Children's Fund has worked in partnership with the Iraqi Water Authorities on a programme to increase access to more resilient water services in some highly vulnerable rural and conflict affected areas of Iraq where water services are unreliable. One major contributing factor to the problem of access to water was the unreliability of the electrical supply, particularly in the summer months. The programme identified that an alternative to grid electrical power was needed to achieve a more reliable source of energy for water provision. The programme installed solar-powered water systems in two vulnerable districts in northern Iraq: Shekhan district, Ninewa, and Makhmur, Erbil. These systems are now providing sustainable, predictable and reliable water services to two vulnerable districts which had previously suffered extensively from power shortages and service interruptions. The water from the new solar-powered systems provides access to safe water for refugees and internally displaced people, as well as local communities. Importantly, the programme has increased water conservation and efficiency and helped to strengthen community resilience. It has also highlighted the need for adaptive and innovative technological solutions, which can support more effective disaster response and recovery.

scholarly journals Community-Managed Water Services: The Case of Peru

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Calzada ◽  
Susana Iranzo ◽  
Alex Sanz
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
Alternative Mechanism ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Internal Governance ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Geographical Dispersion ◽  
Water Provision

Due to lack of economic resources and the geographical dispersion of the population, state and private for-profit water provision is not feasible in many remote rural areas of developing countries. In such instances, community-managed water systems emerge as an alternative mechanism to provide safe water. Despite their importance, little is known about this type of organizations. This article examines the Juntas Administradoras de Servicios de Saneamiento (JASS), communal organizations that provide water services to more than 3 million people in rural and peri-urban areas of Peru. We focus on two important and related dimensions of the JASS. First, we empirically identify the factors associated to their existence (economic resources of the municipalities, tradition of communal work, and ethnic homogeneity). And second, we examine their organization and how they manage the water systems, which is importantly affected by the socioeconomic characteristics of the communities. Using the Peruvian JASS as a showcase, this article sheds then some light on the potential viability of this type of organizations. We conclude that the JASS might be an important and effective alternative to organize the provision of water services in rural and isolated areas. However, the consolidation of these institutions requires adequate supervision to ensure that water systems are correctly designed and managed and that internal governance problems do not compromise their sustainability.

scholarly journals Devolution of Water Services, Transformational Leadership and Water Provision in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Mohamud Mohamed Gedi ◽  
Michael Ngala ◽  
Leonard Wambua
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Arid Lands ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Waterborne Diseases ◽  
Water Provision ◽  
Semi Arid

The source of livelihood for majority of people in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) is mainly livestock. Thus, water is critical in this region. However, in the ASAL regions this has not been fulfilled as conflicts, human and livestock diseases and waterborne diseases are prevalent due to water shortages. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of devolution of water services, transformational leadership on water provision in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya. Specifically, the study determined the influence of devolution of water services on water provision in ASAL in Kenya, established the moderating effect of transformational leadership on the relationship between devolution of water services and water provision in ASAL in Kenya. The study used positivism research orientation.Cross- sectional survey research design was adopted. The target population entailed the 113 sub-counties in ASAL where a sample of 89 sub-counties was targeted. Questionnaire helped in collecting primary data. Secondary data collection was done via desk study. Findings of this study would contribute useful information that would help in the formulation of an action plan for sustainable water management, water conservation and how leaders who inspire, motivate employees can achieve these results. From the findings, the study recommended the need to improve water conservation, protection of catchments and water sources. The study also recommends leaders in ASAL to inspire their subordinates to achieve effective, efficient and sustainable management of both urban and rural water services.

Climate-readiness, competition and sustainability: an analysis of the legal and regulatory frameworks for providing water services in Sydney

Water Policy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Chong
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Millennium Drought ◽  
Urban Water Systems

This paper examines whether key legislative and regulatory frameworks for the provision of water services in Sydney, Australia, successfully support the complex task of planning and managing urban water systems to balance water security, cost and sustainability considerations. The challenges of managing urban water systems under a changing and uncertain climate became starkly apparent during Australia's ‘Millennium Drought’, a decade-long period of extremely dry conditions throughout the 2000s. As the drought progressed, several state and territory governments assumed control of planning and approvals processes in order to implement large water-supply infrastructure projects with great urgency. However, at the end of the decade La Niña rains saturated catchments, spilled over dam walls and devastated several communities with flooding. Analysis of the frameworks for third-party access, private-sector participation, planning, and water-conservation initiatives reveals that the rules, roles and responsibilities of the many actors are interlinked but not always effectively integrated. The introduction and expansion of competition in the urban water industry are an ongoing experiment with great influence on the governance of the sector and the ways in which water services are planned for and provided.

scholarly journals Insecurity, Resource Scarcity, and Migration to Camps of Internally Displaced Persons in Northeast Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6830
Author(s):  
Frederic Noel Kamta ◽  
Janpeter Schilling ◽  
Jürgen Scheffran
Keyword(s):  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Internally Displaced Persons ◽  
Displaced Persons ◽  
Boko Haram ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Land Desertification ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Northeast Nigeria

For almost two decades, the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) in general and northeast Nigeria in particular have been subject to the insurgency of the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram. This region is also known for its poor environmental conditions that mostly manifest in land desertification and water scarcity. We analyze the impact of the insecurity and conflict on migration from the most affected rural areas of northeast Nigeria to Maiduguri. We also explore the role that water scarcity and land desertification play in the decision of local people to migrate. Data were collected by interviewing 204 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Bakassi IDP camp in Maiduguri between March and May 2019. Experts were also interviewed at various governmental, non-governmental, and international institutions in Abuja. Respondents at the Bakassi IDP camp came from Guzamala, Gwoza, Marte, Monguno, and Nganzai. Though insecurity created by the conflict between Boko Haram insurgents and government forces was mentioned by all respondents as the main factor that triggered migration, this study shows that the decision to migrate was also a function of other factors that differ between communities. These factors include the geographical location of the community, land ownership, the socioeconomic status of the migrants, access to water and land, and wealth. This study reveals that in some communities, it was possible for people to live with conflict if they were still able to practice farming or if they had additional sources of income such as small businesses. The decision to migrate was only taken when the practice of such activities was no longer possible and they had nothing to hold on to.

scholarly journals Moderating Effect of Planning on the Relationship between Administration of Devolved Water Services and Water Provision in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
Mohamud Mohamed Gedi ◽  
Michael Ngala ◽  
Leonard Wambua
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Arid Lands ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Water Provision ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Semi Arid

The Government of Kenya introduced Sessional Paper no 10 in 1965 that stated that for the economy to grow as a whole and as fast as possible, development money should be invested where it will yield the largest increase in net output. It further stated that this approach favored development of areas with abundant natural resources, good land and rainfall, transport and power facilities and people receptive to and active in development. For many years, this statement guided direction of government resources hence neglecting ASAL areas. Even though, and with promulgation of Constitution (2010), Kenya as a water scarce country did devolve water provision to counties, the question of whether administration of devolved water services has assisted in solving challenges related to water provision as desired and anticipated by target six (6) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as Kenya’s Vision 2030 still remain unresolved. The purpose of this study was therefore to establish the moderating effect of planning on the relationship between administration of devolved water services and water provision in ASAL in Kenya. The study used positivism research orientation.Cross- sectional survey research design was adopted. The target population entailed the 113 sub-counties in ASAL where a sample of 89 sub-counties was targeted. Questionnaire helped in collecting primary data. Secondary data collection was done via desk study. planning has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between administration of devolved water services and health-care service delivery in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya given that ΔR2 = 0.003, ΔF(1, 70) = 25.1907, b = 0.763, t(72) = 5.824, p-Value=0.000 < 0.05. Findings of this study would contribute useful information that would help in the formulation of an action plan for sustainable water management and conservation in the devolved systems in ASAL in Kenya and the entire country in general. From the findings, the study recommended the need to improve water conservation, protection of catchments and water sources. It should be ensured that there is effective, efficient and sustainable management of both urban and rural water services.

Does basic education students know the importance of agroecology production systems for the conservation of biodiversity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e04942784
Author(s):  
Andrea Aline Mombach ◽  
Carla Grasiele Zanin Hegel ◽  
Rogério Luis Cansian ◽  
Sônia Beatris Balvedi Zakrzevski
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Conservation Of Biodiversity

The perception of a basic education of the importance of agroecological agricultural systems for human and environmental health is fundamental for changes in consumption habits, the conservation of local biodiversity and long-term social transformation. We analyzed, by utilizing a questionnaire consisting of open and closed questions, the perceptions about agroecological and conventional agricultural production systems in 360 final students of basic education residing in nine Functional Planning Regions of southern Brazil. We used classification categories for answers within thematic axes, expressed in percentages and analyzed by means of Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In general, students recognize agroecological systems as healthier for their families and for soil and water conservation, largely because they do not use agrochemicals. However, they demonstrated difficulties when arguing their importance for the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and for ensuring the food security of populations. Television was the main source of information related to agroecology, mainly for students residing in rural areas, thus pointing out shortcomings in basic education regarding the approach of the theme in schools. Our results show the need to build a complex network of knowledge and discussions on agroecological agricultural systems in basic education, involving changes in student perceptions, behaviors and sustainable choices.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic stress disorder correlates among internally displaced Yazidi population following Islamic state of Iraq and Syria attacks in Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Perjan Hashim Taha ◽  
Nezar Ismet Taib ◽  
Hushyar Musa Sulaiman
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Northern Iraq

Abstract Background In 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one-third of Iraq. This study measured the rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Iraqi Yazidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) and examined associated demographic and traumatic risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in April–June 2015 at the Khanke camp, northern Iraq. Trauma exposure and PTSD were measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (Iraqi version). Results Of 814 adult Yazidi IDPs, 34% screened positive for PTSD. Avoidance and intrusion symptoms had the highest means (M = 3.16, SD = 0.86 and M = 2.63, SD = 0.59 respectively). Associated factors of PTSD included exposure to a high number of traumatic events, unmet basic needs and having witnessed the destruction of residential or religious areas (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9 and OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53 respectively). Being a widow was the only linked demographic factor (OR = 15.39, 95% CI: 3.02–78.39). Conclusions High traumatic exposure, specifically unmet basic needs and having witnessed destruction, was an important predictor of PTSD among Yazidi IDPs. These findings are important for mental health planning for IDPs in camps.

Analysis of Legal System and Public Policy on Rural Water Source in China

2012 ◽  
Vol 518-523 ◽  
pp. 4126-4129
Author(s):  
Zhen Hua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Legal System ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Drinking Water Source ◽  
Rural Water ◽  
Laws And Regulations

Source of water is the beginning of rural drinking water projects, safe water source is the key to rural drinking water safety. Status of rural drinking water source in china and laws and regulations on rural water conservation were analyzed. The population of centralized water supply accounts for 51% of the total population in rural areas in 2008, centralized water supply 49%. Groundwater source accounts for 57% of the population of centralized water supply projects in rural areas in 2008, surface water sources 43%. China has a relatively sound legal system of drinking water source, including basic law, general law, administrative regulations, local regulations.The paper draws a conclusion that sources of drinking water in rural areas is mainly groundwater, water conservation is short of specific laws and regulations and not suitable for rural area,it is necessary to improve laws and regulations on rural water conservation, government must assume responsibility for rural water conservation, especially financial investment and public policy support.

scholarly journals Using network analysis to analyse the complex interaction of factors causing the failure of small-scale water infrastructure (SWI) in the rural areas of South Africa

Water SA ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3 July) ◽  
Author(s):  
DC Sambo ◽  
A Senzanje ◽  
K Dhavu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Technical Community ◽  
Drying Up

Some parts of the rural areas of South Africa are receiving water services below the legislative standards stipulated in the Water Services Act (1997) of South Africa. This is because small-scale water infrastructures (SWI), including standpipes, handpumps and windmills, are failing to supply adequate water in rural communities for various activities that enhance their livelihoods. This is due to technical, community, institutional, and environmental factors. Literature indicates that these factors are complex in nature. However, research on their complex interactions has been limited. Therefore, the complex interactions of the factors causing SWI failure were investigated and analysed in this study. A qualitative research approach was employed to investigate the factors that cause failure of SWI. The network approach combined with graph theory and the community structure method were used to generate a theme and domain network that allowed for a systematic analysis and interpretation of the causes of SWI failure in the study area. The major causes of failure identified include: (i) the use of a top-down approach to implement water projects in rural communities without consultation, (ii) sharing of SWI in high numbers due to the limited number of SWI available/functional, resulting in overloading and increased breakdowns, and (iii) drying up of water sources due to poor siting leading to vandalism of SWI. Overall, the causes of SWI failure are as a result of the complex interactions of different categories of factors. The theme and domain network is a powerful tool that can be used represent and analyse the complex interactions. It is therefore imperative for interventions aiming to improve rural water supply to analyse the complex interactions of the causes of SWI failure to understand the underlying problems at a level of a system, in order to propose suitable solutions.

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