The Quest For Water Resilience In Afghanistan: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

Afghanistan has been facing a water crisis for decades, with issues ranging from a lack of infrastructure to the impact of climate change. The country's water supply is managed by the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA), which has achieved successes such as expanding water supply in certain cities and reforming the institutional framework for urban water supply. However, various challenges remain, including dilapidated infrastructure, a high level of non-revenue water, inappropriate pipe materials, and widespread poverty.

Access to clean drinking water is limited, with only about 67% of the country's population having access as of 2019. This issue is particularly acute in rural areas, where only 27% of the population has access to improved water sources, and just 1% has access to improved sanitation facilities. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation has severe health consequences, with water-borne diseases causing a significant number of deaths, especially among children.

To address these challenges, organizations such as UNICEF and USAID are partnering with the Afghan government and local communities to increase access to safe drinking water and improve hygiene practices. Efforts include constructing and rehabilitating water systems, promoting the use of metered water systems and solar-powered water pumps, and providing water and sanitation facilities to schools and health centers.

Despite these efforts, the water crisis in Afghanistan persists, and it remains a driver of conflict within the country and with neighboring nations.

The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA) manages water supply in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a long history of resource degradation, which has led to conflict. The country's ecological issues are partly due to climate and climate change, but also to geography and poor resource management. Even in major cities, drinking water is not readily available to many people.

Among the achievements are:

• The expansion of rural water supply infrastructure with the active participation of communities as part of the National Solidarity Program.
• The successful expansion of water supply in Herat and towns such as Kunduz.
• A reform of the institutional framework for urban water supply through the decentralisation of service provision.

However, there are also several challenges facing NWARA and water supply in Afghanistan. These include:

• A tense security situation, especially in the south and east of the country, which limits the mobility of personnel.
• Dilapidated infrastructure as a result of decades of war and neglect.
• A high level of non-revenue water, estimated at 40%, including water use from illegal connections.
• Inappropriate pipe materials such as asbestos-cement used for older pipes.
• A lack of qualified personnel.
• Widespread poverty.
• Traditional social norms, especially concerning the role of women, which can make it difficult to read meters within premises or involve women in participatory processes.

In urban areas, additional challenges include delays in the procurement of large works and the pollution of shallow groundwater due to a lack of sanitation. Furthermore, Afghanistan's water crisis has been exacerbated by geographical constraints, climate change, and a lack of education on clean water and sanitation.

Only 42% of Afghans have access to safe drinking water

Afghanistan is facing a water crisis, with only 42% of Afghans having access to safe drinking water. This issue is exacerbated by the country's aridity and semi-aridity, with annual precipitation ranging from 75 mm in the plains to 1,170 mm in the highlands. The country's water supply infrastructure has been decimated by decades of war and neglect, with only 67% of the population having access to drinking water as of 2019.

The lack of access to safe drinking water has severe health consequences, particularly for children. In 2004, the mortality rate for children under five was 25%, with half of these deaths caused by waterborne diseases. Diarrhea is the leading cause of illness in children under five, leading to malnourishment and stunted growth. Helminth infection, transmitted through contaminated water, is also prevalent among children and can cause malnutrition, cognitive development issues, and iron deficiency.

The water crisis in Afghanistan is also a result of geographical constraints, climate change, and a lack of education on clean water and sanitation. The country's mountainous terrain contributes to the difficulty of accessing water, as does the lack of reservoirs, canals, and infrastructure. Afghanistan's water resources are also shared with neighboring countries, further limiting the amount of water available for domestic use.

Climate change has led to rising temperatures, affecting snow runoff and reducing water availability during the summer months. Additionally, droughts have forced tens of thousands of families to flee their homes in search of clean water. The combination of these factors has resulted in water scarcity, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases and malnutrition.

The burden of water scarcity falls disproportionately on women and girls, who are often responsible for fetching water for their households. This chore can take up precious hours that could be spent on education or income-generating activities. Additionally, water and food shortages have led to an increase in child marriage, as parents marry off their daughters as a last resort against hunger.

To address the water crisis, various initiatives have been undertaken by the Afghan government and international organizations. The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA) manages the country's water supply and has achieved successes such as the expansion of rural water supply infrastructure and the improvement of water supply in certain cities. International organizations like UNICEF and USAID are also working to increase access to safe drinking water and improve hygiene practices. However, the ongoing conflict and instability in the country continue to hinder progress and strain resources.

Water scarcity disproportionately affects women and girls, who are often responsible for fetching water

Afghanistan's water crisis has been driven by decades of conflict and instability, poor resource management, and the effects of climate change. This has resulted in a lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, with only 42% of Afghans having access to safe drinking water and 27% having access to sanitation facilities. The burden of water scarcity falls disproportionately on women and girls, who are often responsible for fetching water for their households. This daily chore robs them of time for learning, work, and self-care, and it can also be physically demanding and dangerous.

Women and girls in Afghanistan face increased risks to their health, safety, and well-being due to water scarcity. They may have to walk long distances to collect water, exposing them to physical injuries, harassment, and gender-based violence. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities also impacts their reproductive health, with a higher risk of reproductive tract infections and other issues. Additionally, women and girls often bear the responsibility of caring for sick family members, which can further limit their opportunities for education and income generation.

The time spent on water collection also affects the economic prospects of women and girls. They may miss out on educational and employment opportunities, as well as the chance to earn a decent living. This contributes to a cycle of poverty and vulnerability. In some cases, water scarcity can even drive parents to offer their daughters into child marriage as a last resort against hunger.

To address these issues, it is crucial to involve women and girls in designing and implementing solutions. Improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services at home, school, work, and in public spaces are necessary to support gender equity and ensure that women and girls can live with dignity. This includes providing access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene products, especially during pregnancy and menstruation. By empowering women and girls with safe water and sanitation, they can take care of their families, pursue income-generating activities, and fully participate in society.

Afghanistan's water crisis has been exacerbated by geographical constraints, climate change, and a lack of education on clean water and sanitation

Geographical Constraints

Afghanistan is a landlocked country with a history of disputes with its neighbours over water from its mountain rivers, which are Afghanistan's main source of water. Due to its geographical location, the natural flow of snow runoff from the mountains flows through Afghanistan and into Central Asia, Pakistan, and Iran. Afghanistan does not have enough reservoirs, canals, and infrastructure to retain this water, and because of the lack of these, only 30-35% of the water coming from the mountains stays in Afghanistan.

Climate Change

Climate change has led to record droughts, forcing families from their homes in search of clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. River levels are plummeting, and extreme weather is predicted to become the norm across the country. Rising temperatures and hazardous pollution are worsening the water crisis, making water less safe while it becomes more scarce. Higher average temperatures are melting snow in the mountains earlier in the year, and because Afghanistan lacks reservoirs to store the runoff, there is less water to use during the summer when it is needed most.

Lack of Education on Clean Water and Sanitation

A lack of education on clean water and sanitation is also a contributing factor to the water crisis. Because Afghans do not have access to sanitation facilities, 20% of the population (mostly rural) practices open defecation, often in the rivers they drink from. The majority of the rest of the population use traditional latrines, which do not isolate excrement from human contact and do not dispose of waste outside of the house, leading to disease and infection.

Local institutions have been formed to teach communities about water conservation and hygiene

Afghanistan has been facing a water crisis for decades, with issues ranging from damaged infrastructure due to years of war to geographical constraints, climate change, and a lack of education on water conservation and hygiene. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities has led to health issues, especially among children, with 25% of deaths among children under five attributed to contaminated water and poor sanitation.

Recognizing the importance of water conservation and hygiene, local institutions in Afghanistan have taken the initiative to address these issues by providing education to communities. These institutions play a vital role in empowering Afghans, especially women and girls, who are often responsible for fetching water for their households. By teaching them about water conservation and hygiene practices, these institutions aim to reduce water-borne illnesses and improve overall health and well-being.

One of the key focuses of these local institutions is to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and its impact on the environment and community. With Afghanistan's history of resource degradation and conflict over water, it is essential that communities understand the value of sustainable water usage. This includes educating them about the proper usage of water, fixing leaking pipes, and promoting water-saving techniques such as using water-efficient appliances and reducing water waste. Additionally, these institutions emphasize the connection between water conservation and hygiene, as proper sanitation can help prevent the spread of diseases.

Furthermore, the institutions provide practical solutions and skills to improve water conservation and hygiene practices. This includes teaching communities about the construction and maintenance of water storage systems, such as reservoirs and canals, which are crucial for a landlocked country like Afghanistan. They also promote the use of solar-powered water pumps and gravity-fed water systems, which are more sustainable and reliable than traditional hand pumps. The institutions also address the issue of open defecation, which is practiced by 20% of the population due to the lack of sanitation facilities, by educating them on the health risks associated with it and promoting the use of improved latrines.

In addition to technical knowledge, these local institutions also focus on behavioral changes and community engagement. They encourage community participation in decision-making processes regarding water management, ensuring that women and children are at the heart of every solution. By involving the community, these institutions foster a sense of ownership and empower individuals to take an active role in conserving water and maintaining hygiene. This includes organizing community clean-up drives, promoting recycling, and raising awareness about the proper disposal of waste to prevent water pollution.

Moreover, these institutions recognize the importance of tailoring their educational programs to the specific needs of different communities. For example, in areas where girls bear the burden of water collection, the institutions work to ensure that their programs address the unique challenges faced by girls, such as the time spent collecting water affecting their education and safety. By understanding the diverse needs of different communities, the institutions can develop more effective and inclusive education programs.

The formation of these local institutions dedicated to teaching communities about water conservation and hygiene is a positive step towards addressing Afghanistan's water crisis. By empowering Afghans with knowledge and skills, these institutions are helping to improve access to clean water, reduce water-borne illnesses, and promote sustainable environmental practices. Their efforts are making a significant difference in the lives of Afghans, especially in rural areas, and contributing to the long-term resilience and well-being of communities across the country.

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