TIME NOT WASTED: HOW COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION HELP BUILD GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY IN RURAL NORTHERN UGANDA, AFRICA

The longevity of water projects in water-stressed communities hinges not only on providing communities access to safe water, but also on equipping them with knowledge to manage the resource sustainably. Coupling research with education facilitates sustainability by growing knowledge of hydrologic systems and supporting prudent management, from protecting the source to managing the resulting wastewater. Adjusting management practices require time, and are helped through collaboration and developing trust between researchers and stakeholders.

Hydrologic research and education were integrated on several levels during an evaluation of the sustainability of groundwater resources and wastewater management practices at Restoration Gateway (RG), an orphanage in rural northern Uganda. Basic understanding of the hydrologic setting was established through field observations and tests, site visits with staff, survey of available literature, and visits to the local university. An opportunity to collaborate with a survey crew and master planning team leveraged time spent on the ground for greater results. Hydrologic education took place both formally and informally, through science lessons taught at the orphanage school and daily interactions with the directors, staff, and children. RG staff were interviewed to gather information on as-built designs, water usage, and wastewater management practices. Knowledge gained enabled researchers to make recommendations to RG for preserving groundwater quantity and quality, and site-specific information of the groundwater system was incorporated into a master plan for the future development of RG. Education efforts and trust gained through active participation in the life of RG increased awareness and acceptance regarding groundwater sustainability.

In international work, it can be easy to focus on maximizing research time on the ground. This case study presents several ideas for local participation and education that can be applied to other projects. Spending time in the local community, involving them in research efforts, and building their understanding of the local hydrologic system not only improves the chances of management recommendations being incorporated into practice, but can foster long-term partnership and groundwater sustainability.