Economic effects of water supply for women in low income areas in developing countries : implications for project design

This report discusses the economic effects of safe water supply for women and the implications this has for project design. The focus is on the economic effects resulting from health benefits and time savings. An adequate and accessible supply of clean water will improve women's health. Besides preventing water-related diseases, improved water supply relieves women from the task of carrying heavy loads of water over long distances. Examples of distances travelled by women and of time spent collecting water are presented for Sudan and Ethiopia respectively. From an economic perspective, improved health prevents loss of income and raises women's productivity. There are, however, several preconditions for improved health, i.e., women should be involved in health education, system design and site selection. The time saved through improved access to water can be spent on leisure, income generating activities, maintenance of the water supply system, education, child care and housework, and increased consumption of water. While the economic benefits of income generation are clear, the other benefits lead directly or indirectly to increased productivity. To assess the scope and actual realization of time savings, time studies need to be undertaken, and women should be trained in system maintenance and in income generating activities. A checklist is given for women's participation in planning at the community level.