Water and sanitation governance and management for sustainable and inclusive development in Central and West Africa

In 2020, only 30% of the population in Central Africa and 49% of the population in West Africa had access to basic drinking water services, and 4% and 14% respectively had access to sanitation facilities. In addition, access to water is a major issue for food security as well as the development of various industries in the region. Traditional approaches are showing their limits in the face of the complexity of local needs and climate change, exacerbating inequalities, especially for women and girls.

This project aims to engage key actors at national and regional levels, and to analyze the interactions between water and sanitation management and governance systems, climate change and women's empowerment, based on an integrated framework. It will explore policies, mechanisms and gaps in systems, highlighting the specific needs of women and girls.

Its approach adopts two levels: a policy analysis covering the 24 countries of Central and West Africa, and in-depth studies in five strategic countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo) representing various climatic, economic and cultural contexts. The project will generate knowledge on effective and innovative approaches for inclusive and equitable governance and management of water and sanitation in the Central and West African region.