| A pilot project for the development of the Oasis
of Ouadane in Mauritania was initiated in 1996, with financial support from the German
co-operation agency for development (B.M.Z.). Access to adequate water resources is of top
priority for the community of Ouadane. The majority of the population of Ouadane is made up of women and children as a large number of the male population has moved to the capital, Nouakchott. The women of Ouadane are often the sole providers of financial support for their families. They are also responsible for the collection of water and are the main users of water for cooking, washing and sanitation purposes. In addition to their domestic tasks, the women undertake agricultural activities for food production. They also produce handicrafts, which require a fair amount of water, to supplement their income. |
|
 |
Due to lack of appropriate training, limited access to water resources and an inadequate management structure, women's activities produce a very small income. The aim of this pilot project is to facilitate access to water resources (water for domestic use, agriculture and handicraft activities) and set up an adequate training programme. The aim of the pilot project is to take into account the priorities of the community as a whole and to develop a sharing strategy. The main objective is to enhance local capabilities and encourage the participation of the village women in the decision making process. |
| Studies have been carried out on the traditional role of women in relation to water supply and use. One of these studies aimed at improving the quality of water in the villages in the Gondo Plain in Burkina Faso. It was carried out by students from the hydrogeology laboratory of the University of Ouagadougou with support from the University of Laval (Canada). | |
 |