Turbulent waters : pursuing water security in fragile contexts (Anglais)

This report explores the dynamics between water insecurity and fragility. It suggests that water security is more difficult to achieve in fragile contexts because of a range of factors, including weak institutions and information systems, strained human...  Voir la suite This report explores the dynamics between water insecurity and fragility. It suggests that water security is more difficult to achieve in fragile contexts because of a range of factors, including weak institutions and information systems, strained human and financial resources, and degraded infrastructure. At the same time, failure to achieve water security is potentially more damaging in fragile contexts, where populations are particularly vulnerable to the direct impacts of water insecurity, and where water insecurity can intensify perceptions that the government is unwilling to or unable to meet the needs of its citizens—thereby weakening the social compact between the government and citizen groups and acting as a destabilizing force and risk multiplier. This report focuses on three main mechanisms by which water insecurity and fragility interact: (1) failure to provide citizens with basic water services; (2) failure to protect citizens from water-related disasters; and (3) failure to preserve surface, ground and transboundary water resources. These failures can give rise to a vicious cycle of water insecurity and fragility. Evidence suggests that carefully designed investments in water security can contribute to reversing the vicious cycle, promoting stability and an escape from fragility. In particular, investments that deliver basic services and preserve access to sustainable water resources are needed for communities in fragile and conflict-affected states – both as an urgent development priority and as a tangible demonstration of governments' ability and willingness to meet the needs of its citizens.  Réduire