
Water and Sanitation


- Supporting the definition of clear and effective sectoral frameworks
- Providing high-quality water and sanitation services
- Sutainably managing water resources
- Controlling flood risks
Supporting the definition of clear and effective sectoral frameworks
Providing high-quality water and sanitation services
Sutainably managing water resources
Controlling flood risks
Access to water and sanitation is a central sustainable development issue. It has been recognized by the United Nations as a human right since 2010. Water resources are a source of life and biodiversity. They are a global good and their preservation is one of the main environment challenges of the 21st century. Water and sanitation are also essential drivers for greener and more inclusive growth.
The priority given to water and sanitation and sustainable water management on the international agenda for the fight against poverty for over ten years now has enabled considerable strides. However, a great deal of progress still needs to be achieved: over two billion people do not have access to a quality drinking water service at home, and over one person in three does not have appropriate sanitation. Water resources are under pressure and are also particularly vulnerable to climate change. Finally, the sector still suffers from a lack of governance, which reduces its effectiveness and holds back potential investors.
At 31 December 2019, 220 AFD-funded projects were ongoing in the water and sanitation sector. This represents a total amount of AFD financing of EUR 6.5bn, EUR 4.8bn of which are undisbursed.