NECOFA Malawi country report

by Victor Chipofya, NECOFA Malawi Representative (Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development – University of Malawi) (email: vchipofya@poly.ac.mw)

Importance of Water in Food Security;Enhancement of Natural Ecosystems; Protection of good Health; and the Enhancement of the Economic Framework of a Country

Significance of the term “Water is Life”

If improperly managed, however, water can:

Cause disasters
Be a source of conflict
Be a medium for transmission of disease

The WEHAB acronym

Water for Energy, Health, Agriculture, Biodiversity

The Four Rio-Dublin Principles (following advocacy for Integrated Water Resources Management):

Water is an economic good
Water issues and challenge need to be tackled in a participatory manner involving planners, policy makers, water users, etc.
Women play an important role in the management water
Freshwater is a finite and vulnerable resource, and must be well looked after

Need to manage water resources in an integrated manner

(Integrated Water Resources Management as advocated by Global Water Partnership)

Conclusion

Water is a resource essential for Food Security, Enhancement of Natural Ecosystems, promotion of good health, and enhancement of the economic framework of a nation.

Water needs an integrated approach in its management

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