Catalysing Sustainable Water Security in Eastern Africa through Science, Technology and Innovation

Access to safe water remains a great global challenge, which is particularly acute in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas there exists international frameworks and national policies to address this challenge, millions of people living in Africa still do not have access to this vital commodity. The situation is further exacerbated by increasing population and rapid urbanization, climate change, pollution from industrial emissions and effluents and agricultural activities. In this context, therefore, it is imperative for players at different levels to evaluate the existing strategies with a view to optimizing access, distribution and utilization of water resources in the continent.

The potential of science, technology and innovation (STI) tools to catalyze sustainable water security in Africa cannot be gainsaid; it provides unlimited opportunities for enhancing utilization and management of water resources. However, effective deployment of these tools must be preceded by the enabling political, institutional and financial frameworks that optimize their utility and promote south-south cooperation and intercountry learning on their application.

This report explores the interplay of integral components underpinning potential of application of best STI practices in managing water resources in Africa. It covers a broad array of issues, key of which include how emerging technologies can be integrated into national water development policies; how political, institutional, and financial frameworks can enhance scaling up of best STI practices; examples of best STI practices currently being deployed in the water sector; and strategies to promote cooperation and intercounty learning on their application.

From the evidence of this report, it is clear that STI will increasingly play a pivotal role in managing water resources in Africa and enhancing its sustainability. However, to achieve the intended purpose, it is important and imperative that all stakeholders in the water sector and other allied sectors be brought on board to help in addressing the identified gaps hindering effective deployment and uptake of these emerging technologies and innovations.

Prof. Tom P.M. Ogada

Executive Director

African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)

UNESCO, 2022. Catalysing Sustainable Water Security in Eastern Africa Through Science, Technology & Innovation. UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa,

Nairobi, Kenyahttps://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000383369.locale=en.

CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO