In the digital era, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. One critical issue is access to clean water, a fundamental human right that remains elusive for millions, particularly in Africa. Innovative tech-driven solutions are making significant strides in bridging this gap, offering sustainable and scalable methods to provide clean water to communities in need. This article explores the role of technology in transforming water access in Africa, highlighting several impactful ventures, including the collaboration between Elliot for Water and WellFound, a London-based charity.
The Water Crisis in Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa faces a severe water crisis, with over 319 million people lacking access to safe drinking water. The consequences are dire: waterborne diseases, economic instability, and educational disruptions. Addressing this crisis requires multifaceted solutions that encompass sustainable practices, community involvement, and innovative technologies.
Tech for Good: A New Paradigm
Tech for Good initiatives leverage technology to create social impact. In the context of water projects, these initiatives are employing various technological advancements to ensure efficient water management, improved sanitation, and sustainable access to clean water. Here are some notable examples:
Grundfos’ AQtap: AQtap is a smart water dispenser developed by the Danish company Grundfos. It operates on a pay-as-you-go model using smart cards. This system ensures that water is distributed efficiently and equitably, while also generating revenue for maintenance and expansion.
SunCulture: This Kenyan company provides solar-powered water pumps and irrigation systems, enabling farmers to access groundwater for agriculture. This technology not only provides clean drinking water but also boosts food security and economic stability.
Virridy: Formerly SweetSense, Virridy uses smart sensors to track water pumps and wells in real time. These sensors show when a pump is working, when it breaks, or when water levels change. By sending this information quickly, Virridy helps local teams fix problems faster and keep clean water flowing to communities that depend on it.
Case Study: Elliot for Water and WellFound
Elliot for Water is a browser extension that turns your new tab page into a clean, focused productivity dashboard while quietly funding clean water projects in the background. It’s a simple idea: while you chase goals, stay organised, or just get through your day, Elliot uses part of its revenue to support clean water initiatives around the world. That revenue comes from purpose-driven brands featured in a small sponsor widget, as well as optional Pro and Business subscriptions. By collaborating with WellFound, Elliot for Water has made a tangible impact on communities in West Africa.
WellFound: A Sustainable Approach
Since 2005, WellFound has been dedicated to providing sustainable water solutions in West Africa, impacting over 160,000 lives. Their approach goes beyond merely installing wells; it encompasses community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable practices that ensure long-term benefits. Key aspects of WellFound’s sustainable approach include:
- Community Involvement: WellFound emphasises the importance of community participation from the outset. They conduct extensive consultations to ensure that projects meet the specific needs and preferences of the community.
- Capacity Building: Training local residents in construction, maintenance, and management of water resources is a cornerstone of WellFound’s approach. This empowers communities to sustain their water systems independently.
- Holistic Development: WellFound integrates water projects with other development initiatives such as agriculture, education, and health, creating a comprehensive impact on community well-being.
The Ndambe Project: A Success Story
The Ndambe Project in Guinea-Bissau is a prime example of WellFound’s sustainable approach in action. This project, conducted in collaboration with Elliot for Water, addressed severe water scarcity in the Ndambe community.
- Project Implementation: The project began with community meetings to ensure active participation and ownership. Together, they built and fenced a water storage tank and established a Market Garden.
- Economic and Health Benefits: The Market Garden enables villagers to grow and sell vegetables, improving nutrition and economic stability. Children now attend school regularly, and women engage in economic activities, significantly enhancing the community’s overall well-being.
- Sustainability: WellFound trained residents in the maintenance and management of the water systems, ensuring that the benefits of the project would be long-lasting.
The Role of Innovation and Partnerships
Technology alone cannot solve the water crisis; it requires collaboration between tech companies, NGOs, governments, and communities. Successful projects often combine technological innovation with on-the-ground expertise and community engagement. Here are additional examples of how such partnerships are making a difference:
- Project Maji: This Ghanaian initiative uses solar-powered water kiosks to provide clean water. The kiosks are monitored remotely to ensure consistent operation, combining renewable energy with real-time data for sustainable water access.
- Akvo: An open-source data platform used by various NGOs and governments to collect, manage, and visualise water-related data. This tool helps in planning, implementing, and monitoring water projects effectively.
The Path Forward
As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, the role of technology in addressing water scarcity will become increasingly significant. Future advancements could include:
- Tech for Good: Supporting social enterprises that focus on sustainable water solutions. For instance, Elliot for Water not only helps individuals contribute to water projects but also offers a B2B version that includes advanced integrations and detailed ESG reports, allowing companies to make a significant impact through their operations and CSR activities.
- AI and Machine Learning: Employing AI to predict water needs, optimise resource allocation, and identify potential issues before they escalate.
- Entrepreneurship and Microfinance: Financing local startups that provide access to water or offering microcredits to help individuals and families obtain water systems at home. Empowering local entrepreneurs can lead to innovative, locally-tailored solutions and foster economic growth within the community.
Innovation with Impact: A Blueprint for the Future
The integration of technology in water projects is revolutionising access to clean water in Africa. From smart water management systems to solar-powered solutions, tech for good ventures are creating sustainable, scalable, and impactful solutions. The collaboration between Elliot for Water and WellFound highlights the potential of such initiatives to transform communities and improve lives. By emphasising community involvement, capacity building, and holistic development, WellFound ensures that its projects are sustainable and impactful. As we look to the future, continued innovation and collaboration will be key to addressing the global water crisis and fostering a more equitable world.
If you’re a company, an individual, or an organisation looking to support clean water access, this is the moment to act. Whether it’s through innovative partnerships, purpose-led tools like Elliot for Water, or supporting on-the-ground initiatives like WellFound, your involvement can help shape a future where clean water is a right, not a privilege.
Andrea is Founder and CEO of Elliot for Water, and Lead ClimateTech Contributor at Global Good. It was recently partner on the Water Challenge of the Super Connect for Good competition supported by Global Good
