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 encour-ages 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

Budget Allocation

The funding for research projects in this Impact Area is supported by the individual water-centred KSAs.