Dissociation Between National Policy and Local Communities in Regard to Water Supply Management

Abstract

AbstractVarious governments and international organizations have made efforts to expand water supply and sanitation services in rural Africa. This study aimed to evaluate and elucidate the outcomes of national policies on improving water supply management in rural Africa through a case study of Senegal. This case study examined the actual conditions of water supply facilities and residents’ water use in villages. I also attempted to identify the remaining challenges for sustainable water management by local communities. In summary, despite improvement in access to safe drinking water resources for rural populations in Senegal, the national policies were not completely successful. My findings highlight that improving water quality is as crucial as expanding water supply facilities in rural Africa. Meanwhile, for the sustainable self-management of water resources in rural Africa, the case study suggested the importance of local people’s transparent management, information sharing, and mutual aid. Rural residents in Africa have great potential to improve their current water environment through their own initiatives. This potential should be considered as a key to achieving the goal of sustainable water supply management in local communities.