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Water and Livelihoods

by Stephen Browne last modified 03/04/2008 13:48

As processes of climate change accelerate and intensify the vulnerability of populations to hazards such as drought and flood, the development of more effective water-based monitoring and assessment tools is of increasing urgency.

FEG Consulting is spearheading the move towards more holistic analytical and response systems through its work developing household water economy assessment tools alongside, and integrated into, livelihoods-based food security information systems. The water assessment tools aim to:

  • Integrate water and livelihoods-based food needs assessments to improve the sequencing, coordination, and effectiveness of food, water, and health-based relief operations
  • Make traditional water assessments - which have until now remained largely centered on public health concerns - more comprehensive
  • Assess, in quantifiable terms, the effects of changes in household water access on food and income sources
  • Develop a better understanding of differential water access for various wealth groups, as well as of the nature of vulnerability of these groups to water-related hazards (e.g. access constraints vs. absolute water scarcity)
  • Identify triggers for both quantifiable and appropriate outside water interventions

Click here to view a PowerPoint Presentation on FEG Consulting's water assessment methodology and HEA.

Making Water Count

water

It is well understood that securing adequate water for consumption is essential for human survival. Less obvious is the hidden role water plays in all aspects of a households' productive activities. Access to water determines the degree to which households can exploit opportunities such as livestock keeping, small-plot irrigation, and brewing. In addition, the time, labor, and money a household spends getting water has to be continually traded off against the household's other activities aimed at securing income, taking care of children, preparing food, attending school, and purchasing essential goods and livelihoods inputs. These trade-offs need to be better understood and taken account of in both emergency and development programming.

 

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