Southern Africa has significant biodiversity and natural resources, as well as a robust legal framework for natural resource management across borders. However, most countries in the region are water scarce or water stressed. National policies lack harmonization across countries and between sectors, and poor and vulnerable populations lack enough benefits and incentives for sustainable resource management.
Water reuse can be an effective way to supplement the water needs of growing cities. Even in the midst of record breaking droughts, this alternative can have meaningful impact once it overcomes public misperceptions and investment barriers. USAID and its partners are helping South Africa encourage greater understanding of this promising approach for strengthening urban water security in the face of growing water scarcity.
The Water and Development Alliance (WADA) is a collaboration between the USAID and The Coca-Cola Company and its Foundations, managed by the Global Environment & Technology Foundation, to promote improved water management and expand clean water access to help build sustainable communities in the developing world.
The southern Africa countries of Angola, Namibia, and Botswana suffer from frequent floods and debilitating droughts, and too many people live in extreme poverty and have limited access to adequate water and sanitation services. The USAID Southern African Regional Environmental Program (SAREP) is addressing these issues by improving the water supply and sanitation services, as well as conserving biodiversity within the Okavango River Basin, which supports the livelihoods of more than 880,000 people.
