Applying a WASH Risk Assessment Tool in a Rural South African Setting to Identify Risks and Opportunities for Climate Resilient Communities

Climate change threatens the health and well-being of populations. We conducted a risk assessment of two climate-related variables (i.e., temperature and rainfall) and associated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)-related exposures and vulnerabilities for people living in Mopani District, Limpopo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2022-02, Vol.19 (5), p.2664
Main Authors: Kapwata, Thandi, Kunene, Zamantimande, Wernecke, Bianca, Lange, Samantha, Howard, Guy, Nijhawan, Anisha, Wright, Caradee Y
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Climate change
Diarrhea
Disease
Drinking water
Floods
Hazard identification
Health risks
Households
Humans
Hygiene
Laboratories
Pathogens
Population
Qualitative analysis
Rainfall
Risk Assessment
Risk management
Rural areas
Sanitation
Sanitation services
Socioeconomics
South Africa
Supplies
Toilet facilities
Water
Water shortages
Water Supply
Waterborne diseases
Well being
Winter
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Summary:Climate change threatens the health and well-being of populations. We conducted a risk assessment of two climate-related variables (i.e., temperature and rainfall) and associated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)-related exposures and vulnerabilities for people living in Mopani District, Limpopo province, South Africa. Primary and secondary data were applied in a qualitative and quantitative assessment to generate classifications of risk (i.e., low, medium, or high) for components of hazard/threat, human exposure, and human vulnerability. Climate-related threats were likely to impact human health due to the relatively high risk of waterborne diseases and WASH-associated pathogens. Vulnerabilities that increased the susceptibility of the population to these adverse outcomes included environmental, human, physical infrastructure, and political and institutional elements. People of low socio-economic status were found to be least likely to cope with changes in these hazards. By identifying and assessing the risk to sanitation services and water supply, evidence exists to inform actions of government and WASH sector partners. This evidence should also be used to guide disaster risk reduction, and climate change and human health adaptation planning.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph19052664