Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

In Zambia poverty levels decreased from 80% in 2000 to 64% in 2010.  Poor access to safe water supply and sanitation in Zambia’s rural areas is a major contributing factor to poverty. This leads to high incidences of water and sanitation related diseases. Women and girls daily chores of water collection and caring for those suffering from water and sanitation-related diseases decrease their opportunities to participate in productive activities to improve their socio-economic welfare. In education, poor water and sanitation is one of the factors contributing to low school enrolment and progression for children, especially among girls. Ultimately, this limits the opportunities and socio-economic advancement of these children. In 2008, only 9% of rural schools had sufficient number of school toilets for girls while 29% had for boys.

It is in this context that SNV focuses on the development of the water, sanitation and hygiene sector to foster economic development and poverty reduction. Our  focus is on rural water supply, water sanitation and hygiene in schools and peri-urban water supply. We support civil society to advocate for quality service delivery, support service providers to provide quality services, and support policy dialogue and sharing knowledge by improving public and private sector participation.

Read more:

• Sub themes & partners - see menu on the left
• SNV Zambia's track record in WASH
• SNV & Water