|
Impact Area: Water and Society
Scope
The Impact Area of water
and society seeks to build under-standing of the social aspects and
dynamics of water in society and the role water can play in achieving
social transformation and justice. It does so in the context of
deepening democratic practices, the extension of water services and
redressing the wrongs of the past, as well as a commitment to ecological
sustainability while facing growing pressure on water resources, the
effects of climate change, HIV/AIDS and the daily realities of
households living in poverty. It ensures that a social perspective is
brought to bear on all aspects of water research. It is sensitive to
multiple perspectives, including those of gender, class, disability,
urban or rural, culture and religion. It aims to integrate a variety of
methodologies to provide a holistic view. It emphasises respect for
people’s rights and encourages participation in monitoring and
decision-making as entrenched in the country’s constitution.
Objectives
The Impact Area will support research which:
-
Develops a greater
understanding of social dynamics in the water sector, and people’s
needs for and views of water; encourages people’s participation in
water management and decisions about water
-
Searches for ways of
using water for transformation and social justice
-
Enables water users
at all scales and in different localities to meet the challenges of
utilising water as a shared and scarce resource in a sustainable way
-
Provides water
services which are socially acceptable, affordable and available to
all
-
Ensures ready access
to water for the poor and disadvantaged members of society
TOP
|
|
|