This study looked into the water quality and flooding situation of Greater Dhaka for two successive monsoons through extensive river sampling coupled with the estimation of flooded area and exposed population using remote sensing tools.
Research theme
Climate–water crises: critically engaging relational, spatial, and temporal dimensions
This paper examines the political nature of water crisis discourses and their influence on responses to water and climate challenges. It argues that crisis definitions are not universally agreed upon but are shaped by authority, legitimacy, and the ability to mobilize resources.
Public participation and community engagement in domestic water supply management in Kenya: Progress and directions
This report, produced by the University of Oxford in collaboration with representatives from civil society, research institutions, government organisations, and NGOs, evaluates public participation and community engagement in domestic water supply management in Kenya, analysing policy progress, practices, and challenges within an evolving governance landscape.
REACH Story of Change: Water law reform to improve water security for vulnerable people in Africa: A hybrid water law
Permit systems used for water authorisation were introduced in many African countries during the colonial era to protect water entitlements of settlers, with disregard for customary water tenue and local needs. These permit systems require users of water above a defined threshold to apply for permits offering formal legal water rights, therefore granting those who use water below this threshold weaker legal status. This REACH Story of Change explores a science-practitioner partnership which assesses water permit systems in Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The findings have been presented at key international forums and gained significan media attention, influencing policy discussions on water governance reform to better support inclusive rural development and farmer-led irrigation.
REACH Story of Change: Cleaning the tap: Tap hygiene for safer drinking water
Water use behaviour impacts the hygiene of water collection points which can therefore impact water quality. While previous research has focused largely on household hygiene, REACH research has demonstrated how a systematic gap between engineering and hygiene considerations in the water sector is reducing access to safe drinking water. This Story of Change explores how regular cleaning of water point spouts and taps in Bangladesh could substantially reduce the number of people who lack access to uncontaminated drinking water (currently estimated to be between 2-4 billion people worldwide).
Water–Energy Nexus-Based Optimization of the Water Supply Infrastructure in a Dryland Urban Setting
Managing water supply systems is essential for developing countries to face climate variability in dryland settings. However, high energy costs from pumping, water loss due to aging infrastructure, and increased demand from population growth can exacerbate this challenge. In response, this study proposes a methodology that optimizes a Water Distribution Network (WDN) and its management, within the dryland urban setting of Lodwar, Kenya. The findings highlight the potential of WEN-based solutions to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of data-scarce water utilities in dryland ecosystems.
Addressing intrahousehold dynamics, power and decision-making in household water portfolios
This paper aims to understand intrahousehold power dynamics and how these shape decisions around water collection and allocation. Social norms, property rights and water infrastructure all influence household members’ bargaining power and shape the context within which household decisions are made. Analysis of intrahousehold dynamics needs to go beyond considering dynamics between spouses, instead also considering others who also contribute to water collection and usage.
Guaranteeing safe drinking water services for public schools in Kenya (Briefing Note)
With an estimated 30% of Kenya’s national population in either primary or secondary school, access to a safe and reliable water service in schools is central to the achievement of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda on both basic education and water services. This briefing note outlines policy implications of an empirical study estimating the cost to guarantee safe and reliable daily drinking water services to all schools in Kitui County, building on experience and insights from FundiFix, a professionalized water service maintenance model operating in Kenya.
Guaranteeing safe drinking water services for public schools in Kenya: A costed professional service delivery model for Kitui County
This working paper offers a detailed analysis of the costs and requirements to deliver safe and reliable water services in Kitui County schools, based on a county-wide audit and financial information from a professionalized water service delivery model operating in the county. The authors use this to develop an estimate of the cost to guarantee safe and reliable daily drinking water services for all of Kenya’s public schools, and provide insights into new funding models and policy developments to facilitate this important goal.
REACH Story of Change: Building drought resilience in Ethiopian river basins
Through the BRIGHT programme, REACH partner WLRC will build upon and scale up its research on water resources management, climate science, water quality and inequalities in Ethiopia to benefit an estimated 2.5 million people directly, and over 50 million people indirectly. This Story of Change reflects on the partnerships and processes that have facilitated this success for WLRC and for Ethiopia.
