West Africa Water Initiative

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation spearheaded the formation of the West Africa Water Initiative (WAWI) in 2002 to provide potable water, sanitation, and hygiene to rural villages in Ghana, Mali, and Niger. The public-private partnership generated $56 million, with Hilton Foundation grants matched nearly dollar-for-dollar by funds raised by the participating organizations.

This initiative seeks to:

• Increase access to sustainable safe water and sanitation services
• Decrease the prevalence of water-borne diseases such as trachoma, Guinea worm, and diarrhea
• Ensure sustainable management of water quality and quantity
• Foster a model of effective water development that can be successfully replicated in other locations

WAWI Partnership

Key partners in this public-private collaboration include:

• Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development
• Desert Research Institute
• Helen Keller International
• Lions Clubs International Foundation
• The Carter Center
• UNICEF
• United States Agency for International Development
• WaterAid
• Winrock International
• World Chlorine Council
• World Vision

In 2008, the Foundation made grants totaling $12 million to World Vision, WaterAid, and UNICEF to continue the pursuit of WAWI objectives. UNICEF and WaterAid are serving as the lead agencies in convening these and other organizations for the development and coordination of a new West Africa Water and Sanitation Stakeholders' Network.

Results

From 2002 to 2008, major accomplishments of the West Africa Water Initiative address both the structural and behavioral requirements for safe water access.

Throughout Ghana, Mali, and Niger, more than 1,100 wells have been drilled or equipped and 100 existing systems in poor condition were rehabilitated—providing more than 500,000 community members with safe drinking water. More than 25,000 latrines were constructed, enhancing community and school sanitation. Several small water supply systems were constructed and school health and sanitation clubs were established.

Additionally, thousands of communities were provided with education in environmental and personal hygiene and water resource management. Learning opportunities placed a special focus on diarrheal management, Guinea worm disease, and trachoma.

Resources

• WAWI: A Preliminary Assessment, Nancy Allen, January 2008 (pdf)
• Summary Document: 10th WAWI Partners Head Quarters Meeting, February 2008 (pdf)
• WAWI Phase I Final Evaluation Report, WAWI Secretariat, June 2008 (pdf)