an Eldis Resource
The role of new technologies in potable water provision:a stakeholder workshop approach
Can nanotechnologies help achieve the millennium development target of halving the number of people
without access to clean water by 2015?
Authors:
David J. Grimshaw; Jack Stilgoe; Lawrence D. Gudza
Publisher:
Practical Action [Intermediate Technology Development Group], 2006
In 2006, researchers from Demos, Practical Action and the University of Lancaster collaborated on a process designed to engage Zimbabwean community groups and scientists from both the North and South in debates about new (nano) technologies.
The dialogue was one of four experiments, collectively referred to as the nano-dialogues, in public engagement with nanotechnologies, funded by the Office of Science and Technology’s Sciencewise programme. Sciencewise was created to foster interaction between scientists, government and the public on impacts of science and technology
The provision of clean water to both rural and peri-urban communities in Zimbabwe is complex. The systems approach to the analysis and reflection on the topics discussed in the dialogues has enabled a comprehensive capture of the complexity and inter-related issues in relation to the presenting problem. The modelling of the problem situation was particularly helpful in articulating the sub-systems needing discussion. The dialogue was able to focus on the three sub-systems of water supply, culture, and technology. Further, we were able to focus on both economic and behavioural changes required. The multiple stakeholder approach to the dialogue worked well with all those involved being able and willing to participate fully.
At the end of the second day the tentative conclusion that: “there is no real water quality issue that cannot be solved with existing technologies” was agreed but this was not the consensus at the end of the three days.
There are a number of outstanding issues that the workshop could not resolve. These include:
• Questions for scientists to answer
• Whether existing or new technologies were needed to solve the presenting problem.
• The overall recommendations of the workshop are outlined which shows the recommendation in relation to the critical issues identified and states who needs to be responsible for implementation.
• The six critical issues are:
1. Affordability
2. Resource mobility
3. Awareness
4. Acceptability
5. Sustainability
6. Policy framework
The role that new technologies generally, and nanotechnologies more specifically, can and/or should play in the provision of potable water is the subject of a continuing debate. The way forward will need to take account of the risks and costs in addition to the opportunities for real benefits to poor people. Water is a local resource and as such any intervention that is designed to improve the quality of that resource will need continued involvement of scientists and local communities.
