Integrated water systems in the drylands: using a multiple-use water services approach in Niger

This paper presents the preliminary results of a pilot project designed by Concern Worldwide in Niger, based on the Multiple-Use water Services approach (MUS). It presents the challenges met during the implementation phase: how to identify and take into account all the users of the water facilities; how to tackle the diversity of situations and the heterogeneity of the communities concerned by the pilot; how to prioritize the needs of the different users. The study confirms a high risk of contamination of the existing water sources and the potential for developing home gardens.