Water Poverty Research Articles

Spatial analysis of water stress and application of water poverty index in the Mahakali River Basin, Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal

Water Poverty Index (WPI) is an effective tool to assess water stress by linking physical approximations of water availability with socioeconomic drivers of poverty at household and community levels. It also helps in determining the priority needs for interventions and makes the better use of water resources without compromising the environmental integrity at the policy level. This study presents a comparative analysis of WPI to assess the water stress in two local units i.e., Mahakali Municipality-4 (Upstream) and Bhimdatt Municipality-13 (Downstream) of the Darchula and Kanchanpur districts, respectively along the Mahakali River Basin (MRB), Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal. Five components, i.e., resource availability, use of resources, capacity to utilize water sources, accessibility to water sources, and environment were applied to appraisal the water poverty. Under these components, 28 indicators were selected to visualize the water poverty condition. The information for acquiring these indicators was collected by making the field visit, semi-structured questionnaire survey, and secondary information from relevant sources. The results showed that the downstream segment has a higher WPI value (65.43) in comparison to the upstream segment (52.60) of the MRB, indicating relatively water-advantaged and stressed situations in down- and up-streams, respectively. Interestingly, despite having higher resource availability, the upstream region exhibited more stressed situations reflecting spatial heterogeneity in terms of capacity, environmental conditions, and infrastructure development to use the available water resources. Thus, in order to reduce the water stress conditions, priorities for intervention must be given to the water use capacity, especially in the upstream segment of the MRB. This study could be useful for academia and policymakers for the sustainable use of water resources in the MRB, Susurpaschim Province, Nepal.

Physical and social infrastructures: understanding holistic water poverty eradication in Indonesia

Poverty issues becomes more complex from time to time, as it comes to the whole world’s attention as it is stated in the first pillar of the SDGs. This research is trying to search an appropriate tool on how to be able to propose a more precise strategy on dealing with poverty with basis assumption that it must put it together for both physical and social developments. Applying case study of Tumpang District in Malang Regency, Indonesia as one of the poor districts, the result is conducted. The first research aim is to measure poverty level through the five components of the Water Poverty Index (WPI). General result indicates that the study area in the unit of analysis of village, there is no significant poverty level, though the district is categorized as the poverty. The second measurement is in order to build a better understanding of social capital in the community level through measurement of the indexes – rate of participation and density using Social Network Analysis (SNA). General result indicates that residents tend to involve into informal institution than the formal one. However, at the final stage of Spatial Regression Analysis that put it the WPI value as the dependent variable, and the two value of indexes of the SNA as the independent variables along with physical distance to the public facility, the result indicates that participation in the formal institution might give a significant influence to the success of lessening poverty level. Hence, this research proposes two main strategy in order to eradicate poverty though the development of both physical and social infrastructures, and to bring people closer distance to the formal institutions.

Effect of Zeolite Soil addition under Different Irrigation Intervals on Maize Yield (zea mays L.) and some Soil Properties

The adequate supply of irrigation water is a crucial factor controlling the growth and productivity of crops.Under water poverty conditions in Egypt and most arid regions, sustaining the irrigation water in the root zone as long as possible becomes very necessary.Consequently, two field trials were performed aiming to evaluate the effect of zeolite soil addition of as main plots[ Z0:without zeolite(control)and Z1: with zeolite at rate of 10 Mg h-1]under three irrigation intervals as subplots [I1: irrigation every 12 days (traditional irrigation) in addition to irrigation every 14(I2)and 16(I3) days, which represented the deficit irrigation treatments]. The execution of the research trail was done in a split-plot design with three replicates. Maize was used as an experimental plant based on its significant response to water alterations in the root zone. Biochemical plant characters including total chlorophyll, total phenols and proline contents were measured in leaves at period of 60 days from sowing. In addition, vegetative growth parameters (plant height) as well as quantitative (e.g., No.of grain ear-1,No.of rows ear-1, grain and biological yield) and qualitative (i.e.,carbohydrates, protein and oil)yield characteristics were determined at harvesting stage. Findings of this study showed that the zeolite soil addition before sowing (Z1) with irrigation interval of maize plants every14days (I2) as combined treatment realizes better results for improving quantitative and qualitative yield characteristics than non-addition of zeolite (Z0) under traditional irrigation interval (I1:every12days).Post-harvest soil analysis indicatedthat the usage of zeolite improves some studied soil properties e.g., bulk density, total porosity, CEC and FC.

Estimation of the environment component of the Water Poverty Index via remote sensing in semi-arid zones

ABSTRACT Groundwater has become an alternative water supply for various sectors of the population and the economy, and its extraction is increasing worldwide. The water poverty index (WPI) is a holistic tool that enables the establishment of links between poverty, social marginalization, environmental integrity, water availability and health. The index includes five components – water resources, access, capacity, environment and use – which are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100. The objective of this research is to calculate the WPI by applying remote perception techniques to the environment component. Through multi-temporal analysis, we estimate the variability of soil cover in a semi-arid area of San Luis Potosí in Mexico, where the available surface water and groundwater is mainly for agriculture. The overall result for the studied area was a WPI of 56, which reflects contradictions in the management of the resource that is abundant.

Investigating Water Poverty in sub-Sahara Africa : Addressing the Potentials for Water Resources Management, and Policy Implications

Water and poverty are indistinguishably related. Absence of clean water and poverty are equally worth to research into; access to reliable sources of clean water is vital in decreasing poverty. Water is an essential commodity in human and aquatic life and plays a crucial role in the development of every country. Water is used for several activities such as irrigation in agricultural, energy generation, domestic use, industry and many more. This study investigates the state of access to water resources in sub-Sahara Africa, discussing the available potentials and addressing the various barriers preventing its development as well as policies for proper water management. The study surveys the socio-economic drivers of poverty and environmental factors. The conclusion of this study can be used to inform policymakers, governments, international organizations and other stakeholders to support in preparing for suitable policies for providing quality and better service in water supply and maintainable water management for countries at a giving time to avoid water poverty.

El derecho humano al agua en España en el contexto europeo (2010-2020). Implicaciones para las políticas y los modelos de gestión del ciclo urbano

El derecho humano al abastecimiento y al saneamiento (DHAS) constituye hoy en España y en Europa la bandera de un movimiento que se articula en torno al concepto del agua como bien común y que se orienta al objetivo de construir un modelo de gestión pública participativa y transparente. La materialización efectiva del DHAS se relaciona discursivamente con la titularidad pública o privada de los operadores de los servicios urbanos de agua, lo que ha contribuido a la reactivación de los debates sobre la necesidad de conservar o recuperar el carácter público de estos servicios, y sobre la necesidad de generar marcos jurídicos que garanticen políticas de democracia local efectiva. A esta dimensión sociopolítica, se añade otra característica: el movimiento del DHAS en España sintoniza en discurso y articulación organizativa con las perspectivas socio-eco-integradoras de la gestión del agua como recurso natural, de los ecosistemas acuáticos. Ésta es una cualidad importante y en cierta manera distintiva de la experiencia española, que contrasta con los desencuentros y conflictos que frecuentemente caracterizan a las perspectivas social y ambiental en los movimientos de defensa del agua, y en general de los recursos naturales. Complementariamente a lo anterior, este artículo presenta un nuevo enfoque de la tipología de pobrezas hídricas. La reciente recepción del DHAS en los países europeos se ha focalizado especialmente en la asequibilidad (prohibición de cortes, garantía del mínimo vital, tarifas sociales) y en las implicaciones para la gobernanza (transparencia, rendición de cuentas) y el modelo de gestión (publico versus privado). No obstante, a lo largo de la investigación que se presenta, se ha constatado que la accesibilidad sigue siendo un problema significativo en ciertas regiones europeas, relacionado especialmente con la existencia de asentamientos marginales, chabolismo, personas sin hogar o trabajadores temporeros inmigrantes en áreas rurales. Finalmente, este artículo aborda la cuestión de la regulación legal del derecho humano al agua en España, analizando las claves de este proceso y presentando las últimas propuestas del movimiento del DHAS en el que sus autores conceptualmente se sitúan. Desde un punto de vista teórico (ecología política urbana) y metodológico (investigación-acción participativa transdisciplinar), el artículo se ha desarrollado en el doble marco en el que los autores se desenvuelven. Por una parte, el grupo de trabajo de ciclo urbano del agua de la Fundación Nueva Cultura de Agua (https://fnca.eu/oppa/ciclo-urbano-del-agua); y, por otra, la Red de Excelencia de la Agencia Estatal de Investigación sobre pobreza hídrica (WAPONET, CSO2017-90702-REDT, https://waponet.org/approach/).

Groundwater potential as an indicator of water poverty index in drought-prone mid-hill region of Nepal Himalaya

Springs are the primary sources of drinking water for the people living in the mountainous region of Nepal Himalaya, but emerging drought condition exacerbated by climate change has dried up springs thus sparking water crisis in the region. The present study attempts to correlate the groundwater potential (GWP) zones and water poverty index (WPI) in the mid-hill region of Nepal Himalaya. The study was conducted in four drought-prone Village Development Committees (VDCs), namely Bhatauli, Chisapani, Kathjor and Manthali lying at the lower reaches of Tamakoshi Sub-basin in Ramechhap district of Province number 3, Nepal. The in-situ test of spring water revealed that pH, EC, TDS and DO values lie within the concentration limits of Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards and suitable for drinking or other uses. Groundwater potential zoning was carried out using the eight thematic layers, namely elevation, slope, land use, drainage density, geomorphology, lineament density, rock and soil distribution and precipitation. High groundwater potential has been delineated along the Tamakoshi River while low potential areas lie in the western part of the study area. The model is verified with the field observation as the most springs concentrated in the high and medium groundwater potential zones. The study area has WPI values lower than the national WPI score, suggesting the low availability of water in the area. GWP correlates directly with WPI in the study area suggesting that GWP mapping alone can represent the water availability in the mid-hill region of Nepal Himalaya.

Multidimensional analysis of water sector performance in India: an index approach

This article is about the development of a new index for integrated assessment of water sector performance in India. It has been widely accepted and cited that for integrated assessment of the water sector, a multidimensional index is required. Water Poverty Index (WPI) is a multidimensional index used internationally at different scales and levels for performance analysis of the water sector. The methodology used to calculate WPI is based on subjective weight method i.e. equally-weighted average of its five components, namely resources, access, capacity, use, and environment. The main objective of this study is to remove the subjectivity in assigning weights by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). In India, water-related challenges and problems vary from state to state due to geographical and institutional constraints. In this study 11 major states of India are considered to assess the role and impact of these constraints on the overall water sector performance. DEA methodology has been used in this study to benchmark the water sector performance of different Indian states. In this study, we have used DEA to calculate the aggregate index for different states of India. A total of 20 variables, capturing the multidimensional aspect of the water sector have been used in this analysis. This study could be helpful for policymakers to prioritize and understand the area of improvement in the water sector.

Implementing Sustainable Irrigation in Water-Scarce Regions under the Impact of Climate Change

The sustainability of irrigated agriculture is threatening due to adverse climate change, given future projections that every one in four people on Earth might be suffering from extreme water scarcity by the year 2025. Pressurized irrigation systems and appropriate irrigation schedules can increase water productivity (i.e., product yield per unit volume of water consumed by the crop) and reduce the evaporative or system loss of water as opposed to traditional surface irrigation methods. However, in water-scarce countries, irrigation management frequently becomes a complex task. Deficit irrigation and the use of non-conventional water resources (e.g., wastewater, brackish groundwater) has been adopted in many cases as part of a climate change mitigation measures to tackle the water poverty issue. Protected cultivation systems such as greenhouses or screenhouses equipped with artificial intelligence systems present another sustainable option for improving water productivity and may help to alleviate water scarcity in these countries. This article presents a comprehensive review of the literature, which deals with sustainable irrigation for open-field and protected cultivation systems under the impact of climatic change in vulnerable areas, including the Mediterranean region.

Challenges and Prospects of Using Treated Wastewater to Manage Water Scarcity Crises in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are located in the driest part of the world with an annual per capita water availability of 500 m3 compared to the world average of 6000 m3. Agricultural water demand, which is more than 80% of the total water consumption, is primarily met through the massive exploitation of groundwater. The enormous imbalance between groundwater discharge (27.8 billion m3) and recharge (5.3 billion m3) is causing the excessive lowering of groundwater levels. Therefore, GCC countries are investing heavily in the production of nonconventional water resources such as desalination of seawater and treated wastewater. Currently, 439 desalination plants are annually producing 5.75 billion m3 of desalinated water in the GCC countries. The annual wastewater collection is about 4.0 billion m3, of which 73% is treated with the help of 300 wastewater treatment plants. Despite extreme water poverty, only 39% of the treated wastewater is reused, and the remaining is discharged into the sea. The treated wastewater (TWW) is used for the landscape, forestry, and construction industries. However, its reuse to irrigate food and forage crops is restricted due to health, social, religious, and environmental concerns. Substantial research evidence exists that treated wastewater can safely be used to grow food and forage crops under the agroclimatic conditions of the GCC countries by adopting appropriate management measures. Therefore, GCC countries should work on increasing the use of TWW in the agriculture sector. Increased use of TWW in agriculture can significantly reduce the pressure on freshwater resources. For this purpose, a comprehensive awareness campaign needs to be initiated to address the social and religious concerns of farming communities and consumers. Several internal and external risks can jeopardize the sustainable use of treated wastewater in the GCC countries. These include climate change, increasing costs, technological and market-driven changes, and regional security issues. Therefore, effective response mechanisms should be developed to mitigate future risks and threats. For this purpose, an integrated approach involving all concerned local and regional stakeholders needs to be adopted.

COVID-19 and community healthcare: perspectives from Nairobi's informal settlements.

Urban slums are often characterized by overcrowding, inaccessibility of basic services such as running water and abject poverty. These may affect adherence to COVID-19 containment measures and worsen the effect of the virus on slum residents. We explore the overall practices and impact of the COVID-19 mitigation measures on the lives of Nairobi’s urban poor. This was done through a three-week cycle of telephone interviews with residents, local healthcare providers, religious leaders and key decision makers in two of Nairobi’s slums. As the number of COVID-19 cases increase in Kenya, greater efforts are needed to protect those in environments that make it challenging to implement the containment measures. Collaborative effort is needed to firmly and quickly implement social protections and food security measures, protection against domestic violence, and strengthening response at Level One (community level).

Uso de indicador hídrico na Ilha de Cotijuba, município de Belém-PA

This work aimed to elaborate a water indicator to evaluate the situation of access and use of water in Cotijuba island located in Belem - PA. The methodology used was based on a quantitative and qualitative exploratory study that consisted of applying a checklist of the sub-dimensions and variables that covered the dimensions: Capacity (C), Water Resources (R), Use (U), Access (A) and Environment (MA) that together make up the water indicator. The Ad Hoc method was also used to choose the variables, in which consultations were carried out with technicians and researchers specialized in water resources management. The results showed a regular situation (5.98) for water use and access in the Water Poverty Index (HPI) applied on the island due to low availability of quality water, pollution of water sources and precariousness in the water supply system. endanger the water security of the population. Therefore, IPH is an important tool to aid decision support in the selection of public policies.

A statistical and spatial analysis of water poverty using a modified Water Poverty Index

ABSTRACT This study advances methods of measuring access to water by providing a framework that can be operationalized by practitioners to inform decision and policy making. A modified WPI was developed and deployed in India, with results indicating significant differences between WPI and many indicator scores both between and within administrative territories. Spatial analyses identified significant clustering of WPI and indicator scores, indicating that scores are not randomly distributed. Three weight schemes were applied, two of which were informed by local stakeholders. The weight schemes highlighted the subjectivity of weighting and importance of including local populations in water development and management.

Control of Diarrhoeal Diseases in Children in Kericho West Sub-County, Kenya

Acute diarrheal disease among children aged less than five years remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Severe infectious diarrhoea in children occurs most frequently under circumstances of poor environmental sanitation and hygiene, inadequate water supplies and poverty. In Kenya, the control of diarrhoea disease including the promotion of breastfeeding, oral rehydration therapy and specific health education is a part of national strategies aimed to improve the quality of life and reduce the burdens caused by diseases. In Kericho West Sub-County, diseases associated with contaminated water, sanitation and poor hygiene tend to affect more in rural households. Nearly half of the children under five years suffer from related diarrhoeal diseases, thereby causing major concern to the entire local population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors that lead to diarrhoeal diseases, to investigate the hygienic condition and source of water supply in the area, to examine the practices of the breastfeeding mothers and to determine the measures the county government has put in place to improve the health situation of the children. The study was grounded on two theories proposed by self-efficacy theory by Bandura. The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire as a quantitative tool while the interview guide was the qualitative tool for data collection. The location of the study was in Kericho West sub-county. The study concluded that there was a relationship between childhood diarrhoea, water, sanitation and hygiene in the study area. The study also found that there was a substantial positive association between breastfeeding and diarrhoea in children aged less than five years. From the findings, 83% used water with soap, while 41.3% obtained food from street vendors. The study recommends that the government facilities and private facilities should start sensitizing the Kericho West sub-county residents on the importance of maintaining hygiene through the use of clean and treated water as well as washing their utensils with hot water and soap. The government health care workers at the government facilities should counsel all the mothers and educate them on all the waterborne diseases as this would be the best option to control the communicable diseases in the County.

Constructed Wetland Parks: A Pathway to Sustainability For Cairo

Cairo is facing a vast number of urban, environmental and social challenges. It is constantly affecting the quality of life in the Egyptian Capital. Water resources are limited and one of the main challenges in Egypt, in addition to the Increasing population, Lack of green spaces, Air and Water pollution rate especially in Cairo. Using untraditional solutions in Egyptian cities now is a critical need, which will help in maximizing the benefits, decreasing projects and operations cost in this developing country. The Nile is the major water source in Egypt, according to recent studies this source is decreasing. UN and the Egyptian government published that Egypt has reached water poverty. Conservation and developing this resource is the cornerstone of academic researches and on the Egyptian government top priorities. Now in Egypt, the importance of recycling water in different methods increased. It is a basic need to cover water demands. Biological water treatment is one of the eco-friendly techniques for water treatment. Constructed wetland now is commonly used as an environmental tool in many countries. It achieves many benefits such as increasing biodiversity, habitats, water treatment and reduces air pollution. In the last decade, this technology was used in Egypt as a tool for water treatment in small-scale projects in The Northern lakes. The multifunction landscape is combining traditional landscape uses with human activities and production. This complexed harmony could achieve a balance between ecosystems with human impacts. Creating a wetland park as multifunction Landscape tool is a new approach in the world. Many countries have success stories in this field. This research will discuss international experiences in constructed wetland parks and local experiences in wetland areas, monitoring challenges and problems facing this technology and main potential elements that will lead to the success of this experiment in Egypt. Recognizing stakeholder complex needs, Ideas, and official plans for developing wetlands in Egypt. Finally, this research provides a framework and action plan to help in adapting the landscape market with this new approach, gives decision makers tools to achieve sustainability in future projects.

The Water Poverty Index: An application in the Indian context

AbstractFor developing countries, the proportion of households covered by improved water resources is conventionally used to assess the water stress situation. However, in a developing country like India with a high population growth rate, water demand and supply are considerably mismatched. An agro‐based economy with large variations in socio‐economic conditions and changing rainfall patterns across the states imposes greater challenge on water resources. Therefore, there is a need to assess the water situation across the country in a holistic manner. This paper proposes application of the Water Poverty Index as a comprehensive policy tool to assess actual water‐stress situation across 20 major states in India. This index covers important socio‐economic parameters such as access, capacity, use and environment in addition to water resources of each state. The results and findings are expected to be of use to policymakers and implementing agencies. In view of policy formulation, a state performing well on a Water Poverty Index component can act as a benchmark for another state.

Water Poverty Assessment in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Poor access to water is often linked to poverty, human welfare, health, nutritional status, and household labour. This paper is aimed at contributing to the debate surrounding water poverty in the rural areas. Primary data obtained covering water resources, access, capacity, uses, and environment were collected using closed-ended questionnaires. Altogether, 370 household heads were sampled and were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Multiple correlations, factor analysis and multiple regression methods were used to determine the level of relationship between the Water Poverty Index (WPI) components. The results revealed that: WPI is the highest in Elenke/Sagbo (72.3%) and the lowest in Onigbeti II/Sagbon (55.5%). Also, WPI has a strong positive relationship with resources (r = .656), capacity (r = .705) and environment at 95%. Percentages of explanations of WPI ranges from 86.45% in Onigbeti I to 50.99% in Aboke.The results of multiple regression between WPI and components showed that components were weak predictors in 5 wards (Onigbeti III &IV, Onigbeti II , Onigbeti I, Seriki Agbele Aboke and Abogun wards). The paper posits that access to water in Olorunsogo Local Government Area (LGA) is generally reasonable. The paper suggests stronger government presence to improve and sustain the level of access.
 Keywords : Water Poverty; Access; Capacity; Uses; Environment; Resources; Factor Analysis
 
 Copyright (c) 2020 Geosfera Indonesia Journal and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember
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An Assessment of Water Resources in the Taiwan Strait Island Using the Water Poverty Index

Water resources are a very important issue in the Global Risk 2015 published by the World Economic Forum. The research objective of this study was to construct a Water Poverty Index (WPI) for islands. The empirical scope of this study was based on Kinmen Island in the Taiwan Strait, which has very scarce water resources. Kinmen has a dry climate with low rainfall and high evaporation. Therefore, the Kinmen area is long-term dependent on groundwater resources and faces serious water resource problems. This study used the WPI to examine various issues related to water resources. In addition, this study selected several main indicators and performed time series calculations to examine the future trends of water resources in Kinmen. The results show that the overall water resources of Kinmen are scarce. To ensure sustainable development of water resources in Kinmen, policies to improve water scarcity, such as water resource development, water storage improvement, and groundwater control, should be researched. The research results of this study can be used as a reference for government agencies in formulating and revising water resources to achieve the sustainable development of island-type water resources.

Modeling residential water demand: An approach based on household demand systems

Most estimations of residential water demand are based on single-equation models that rely on assumptions that are most often not compatible with the fundamental principles of consumer theory. In this paper, we relax these assumptions by using a more flexible system of demand estimation, the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) (Banks et al., 1997) and reveal the existence in our sample of substitution and complementary patterns as well as non-linearities in Engel curves for water consumption. Water demand would not be, therefore, linear in income and separable from other goods consumed within the household. In this context the QUAIDS functional specification is expected to be more consistent with observed consumer behavior. Our results seem to confirm this expectation; when compared to the linear, log-linear and double-log models commonly used in water demand estimation, QUAIDS seems to produce a better overall fit and a better fit to the asymmetric shape of the real distribution of water consumption. This has important implications in terms of public policy, as it allows to explore how water policies interact with other goods consumed within the household (e.g. water-energy nexus or efficient household appliances). Furthermore, differential responses to pricing policies and taxes across the income distribution can be considered, thus contributing to avoid undesired redistributive effects and water poverty.

Holistic Water Management at the Community Level, Case Study Jabung District, Malang Regency, Indonesia

Access to safe water as a basic infrastructure is still a major problem throughout the world, and it is the main concentration to be solved as stated in SDGs pillars 6 and 9. Availability access to basic needs such as infrastructure of water is also one important homework to deal with for the Indonesian government along with the Universal Access 100-0-100. The research aim is to measure the Water Poverty Index (WPI) through the 5-component to propose a poverty eradication strategy of the water infrastructure at the community level. Jabung District in Malang Regency is chosen as the case study, wherein at about 33, 19% and 16% of households are the receiver of Raskin (Poor Rice) program and Program Keluarga Harapan (Family Hopes Program) – the poverty alleviations programs in Indonesia. Both field observation and depth interviews are conducted towards 548 heads of households at the compiling data. The WPI measurement indicates that 1 of the 15 villages have the low safe value of WPI. Among the fifth component, the environment shows the worst scale of the WPI whereby 14 villages have a value of 49, 16 (unsafe value), so integrated water management strategy by incorporating water balance for both domestic and non-domestic purposes is indispensable.