This project builds community governance of water resources in NW Nicaragua through the innovative use of technology. Tablets and a collective digital platform are used for capacity-building with 365 Community Water Committees, particularly women, to improve community management of water systems. The technology is also used to hold governments accountable for water access and services through information sharing, legal empowerment, and collective advocacy. The project also includes construction and rehabilitation of water systems in over 40 communities.
1. 365 Community Water Committees legalized and managing their water resources, with at least 60% women in executive positions
2. 11 Municipalities, including 50% women elected and salaried, working with Communities to sustainably manage water supplies and services
3. 40 community water systems constructed or rehabilitated
4. 120,000 people with access to safe, sustainable water supply
The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced equitable and inclusive participation in democratic decision-making processes related to water supply systems and sustainable water resources management, especially by women and marginalized groups, through the use of technology; ( 2) increased use of science and technology by people, especially women and marginalized groups, to hold governments to account for water supply needs and the sustainable management of water resources; and (3) increased responsiveness of public institutions to people’s, especially women and marginalized groups, need for sustainable water supply systems and management of water resources, through the use of technology.
