Who are we?
The Hunger Project’s Water for Ghana program overall goal of
Water for Ghana is to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in
rural communities in Ghana. The Hunger
Project trains community members in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
Website: https://thp.org.au/
Issue: Water & Sanitation
Project Background
Many communities in Ghana have either limited or no access
to improved fresh water sources, basic sanitation, and hygiene facilities. This
leads to increases in waterborne diseases. Women are often the most affected,
as they have to walk long distances to fetch water, which is both unproductive
and unsafe.
Having increased access to clean water is crucial to
decreasing disease and to empowering women. By reducing the distance women must
go to fetch water, they are allowed more time for their own financial or
personal pursuits—improving the quality of life for entire families and
communities.
Moreover, with 70% of the world’s freshwater supply going to
agriculture, effective water conservation techniques are essential.
Over 78% of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas
and are dependent primarily on agriculture and related activities for their
livelihood. The wellbeing of these smallholder farmers is closely tied to the
natural environment. They are highly vulnerable to environmental destruction,
water shortages and climate change.
Project Objectives:
1. Reduce incidence of waterborne illnesses
2. Increase access to, and use of, improved water
sources
3. Increase access to, and use of, improved sanitation
facilities
4. Increase awareness of the importance of hygiene and
improved sanitation facilities
Partners & Community Involvement
The Water for Ghana Program is run by The Hunger Project
Ghana team working closely alongside their team of Animators (locally trained
volunteer leaders). The Hunger Project uses timely and accurate data for
interventions in sanitation, and works to make that data accessible and
transparent to community members. This makes the data actionable and usable for
communities and state authorities.