International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 03 | Mar 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Socio-economic impact of water conservation in Antananarivo, Madagascar Arline Haingominarisoa1,2, Hongwu Wang1,2*, Jhonny Rabefiraisana Harimialimalala 3,Yanqiong Wang1,2, Jean Pierre Bavumiragira1 1College of Environmental and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai China 2 Key Laboratory of Urban Water Supply, Water Saving, and Water Environment Governance in the Yangtze River
Delta of Ministry of Water Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Urban Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China 3 University of Faculty of Sciences, Life and Environmental Science Antananarivo Madagascar ---------------------------------------------------------------------***-------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
Water conservation is crucial for tackling global resource sustainability and economic development challenges. This study analyzes the socio-economic impacts of water conservation growth in Antananarivo, Madagascar, evaluating different strategies' potential benefits and drawbacks. An investigation and survey targeting Mandroseza Lake, involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, National Institute of Statistics, and JIRAMA National Water Company. Parameters like water production, distribution, infrastructure maintenance, economic growth, and water loss reduction were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to assess relationships between variables. Significant positive correlations were found between water conservation efforts and economic growth in domestic sectors (r=0.9856, p<0.0001), industry (r=0.9109, p<0.0001), and agriculture (r=0.8998, p<0.0001). Similar positive correlations were observed between water production and agriculture (r=0.9704, p<0.0001), industry (r=0.9541, p<0.0001), and household consumption (r=0.9256, p<0.0001). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between population and tap water availability (r=0.4219, p=0.0048). The study highlights the strong positive association between water conservation and economic growth, societal well-being, and tap water access in Antananarivo. This emphasizes prioritizing and funding sustainable water practices for stakeholders, water management officials, and policymakers. Key Words: water production, GDP, environmental sustainability, management, agriculture, industry
1-INTRODUCTION Water conservation is a critical issue in the current global setting, impacting both environmental sustainability and economic growth. While Earth's surface is 75% water, only 3% is freshwater (Saurí, 2013; Balasubramanian, 2015). Madagascar, the fourth largest island, faces this challenge with its 29.6 million population experiencing significant economic expansion in agriculture, mining, and trade (Statista, 2018). Integrating conservation with development is crucial (Bidaud, 2015). Expanding industries and agriculture exacerbate water scarcity (Bouët, 2022). Madagascar's water resources vary regionally, with abundant summer rainfall (2,000-3,000mm annually) (CYCLE–Vol II, 2009). However, only 12,170 cubic meters per capita were available in 2020, with 60% lacking access to safe drinking water (Weiskopf et al., 2021; Grönwall et al., 2020). Antananarivo, the capital, faces water scarcity challenges due to a growing population, limited water sources, and unreliable rainfall (Rakotoarimanana et al., 2022). Water shortages are common, especially during the dry season when demand exceeds supply (Suryanegara et al., 2023). Insufficient infrastructure leaves many Antananarivo residents without reliable piped water, forcing them to endure intermittent supply and low pressure (Andey et al., 2009). This strain on households makes meeting basic water needs a constant challenge. Contamination from industrial activities, inadequate sanitation, and improper waste disposal further aggravate the situation, polluting water sources and posing health risks through waterborne diseases (Bastaraud et al., 2020). Inefficient distribution systems, poor maintenance, and limited investment in infrastructure exacerbate these issues. Additionally, weak regulations on pollution control and water conservation worsen the situation (Bastaraud et al., 2020). Efforts are underway to address these challenges such as governments, NGOs, and international partners collaborating on projects to improve water supply, upgrade infrastructure, promote conservation, and enhance management practices. The $220 million National Water Project aims to increase water access and improve utility performance in Greater Antananarivo and selected towns (World Bank, 2022). City-led programs focus on reducing water losses, improving continuity of supply, and increasing production capacity (Vivek et al., 2020). Continued efforts towards better
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