Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
4.2.1 Background
The proposed setting below assumes that the National Government of a particular
country is committed to a rational approach to development based on or with strong
focus on the nexus approach.
It also assumes that, after a thorough discussion process with a broad spectrum
of stakeholders, a decision was made as to:
The range of sectors and subsectors that will be included in the initial stages.
The sectors that may join in the future, if not included from the onset.
The geographical areas where the policies will be implemented and the different
interventions will take place.
The levels of government that will lead the efforts in each sector and subsector.
The institutions that will perform supporting, but critical roles like data gath-
ering, processing and analysis to improve the policies.
Let us also assume that the main problems identi
ed linked to the nexus com-
ponents are:
Water resources pollution
Soil pollution
Flooding in urban centres
Water productivity at farm level (revenue and protein productivity per unit of
water used)
Furthermore, notwithstanding the imperfect understanding of all the causes
related to such problems, it has been established that some of the most critical
contributors to the current situation are:
Poor solid waste management practices, from household garbage being thrown
into creeks and streams that are consequently obstructed causing
flooding
upstream and pollution downstream.
Poor solid waste disposal practices, using inappropriate dumpsites leading to
soil and aquifer pollution.
Inadequate use of fertilizers and pesticides leading to water resources pollution.
Resistance to change crops and production uses at farm level.
Still, some questions remain like:
Once the policies are set, how will these policies be sustained in the end, beyond
political changes?
How will the targets be set?
How will progress towards those targets be measured?
How will the policies be implemented at the national, provincial and municipal
levels?
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