Global Water Center (GWC), Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), and Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) are proud to announce the release of the "Rural Water Capacity Needs Assessment" report. This comprehensive report, based on a thorough analysis of 280 responses, sheds light on the critical gaps and challenges in the rural water sector.

The report reveals significant competency gaps in water supply technologies and water quality and safety. It also highlights the barriers to building a sustainable rural water workforce, such as job scarcity, limited incentives, insufficient personnel, and inadequate materials. Another important finding is that the infrastructure/maintenance technician is the hardest position to fill.

To address these challenges, the report provides actionable recommendations focused on prioritizing the recruitment and development of rural water technicians, enhancing capacity development with a focus on workforce issues, and adopting interactive, peer-based learning approaches. The need for standardized job titles and responsibilities is also emphasized to streamline capacity development efforts across the sector.

GWC, CAWST, and RWSN are committed to taking action based on the report’s findings, and they call on other organizations to join in these efforts to improve the quality and sustainability of rural water services worldwide.

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