Linking poverty reduction and water management

This paper intends to analyse the potential role of water management in poverty reduction and to identify actions through which this potential can be realised. In Millennium Development Goals (MDG) terms, this relates to all the goals and targets, not just the water supply and sanitation target. It builds on the conceptual framework developed in earlier Poverty-Environment Partnership (PEP) papers through the analysis of the contribution of different aspects of water management to four key dimensions of poverty reduction: Enhanced livelihoods security; Reduced health risks; Reduced vulnerability; and Pro-poor economic growth. Numerous case studies have been cited to show that actions that bring results are possible, and indeed are already being implemented in many places. The core message of the paper is investing in water (and sanitation) is an economically sound decision. The final section of the paper outlines its key messages and identifies policy priorities for governments from the developing world and for their partners. It discusses actions in relation to policy processes, through the creation of an enabling framework by national governments.