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1. This study aimed to develop an integrated analytical framework to identify candidate sites for surface water protection that is applicable at broad scales and in data scarce regions, using Zambia as a case study. In the Zambian Water Resources Management Act of 2011, Water Resource ProtectionAreas are defined as areas where special measures are necessary for the protection of a catchment, sub-catchment, aquifer, or geographical area. Three specific selection criteria are listed for the definition of Water Resource Protection Areas: (i) areas of high importance in providing water to users in a catchment; (ii) aquatic areas of high ecological importance; and (iii) areas that are particularly sensitive to human impact.3. In this project, each sub-catchment and river reach of Zambia was characterized for their importance regarding these three criteria. 'Water provisioning' was assessed by analysing patterns of runoff generation and human water use; 'aquatic ecological importance' was determined by conducting a freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem assessment using a systematic conservation planning approach; and 'sensitive areas' were identified by quantifying erosion potential and sediment transport. The work was supported by an assessment of free-flowing rivers in Zambia, i.e., those rivers where aquatic ecosystem functions and services are largely unaffected by changes to fluvial connectivity through dams and other infrastructure. 4. Highly ranked sub-catchments were found in the Liuwa, Barotse, and Bangweulu floodplains and wetlands, and in the headwater regions of the upper Zambezi, Kafue, Chambeshi/Luapula, and Tanganyika catchments. The Luangwa was identified as the highest ranked candidate river for protection within Zambia.5. The resulting maps, data, and methods are intended to support national-scale efforts to prioritize areas for surface water protection, identify catchments and rivers with high conservation value, optimize decision making for infrastructure development, and inform concerted strategies to maintain and restore freshwater ecosystem services in Zambia.

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The purpose of the study was to quantify waste content in faecal sludge using an appropriate method and characterise the solid wastes inherent with the faecal sludge into categories. A total of eight (8) domestic pit-latrines were analysed in the peri-urban area of Kanyama settlement in Lusaka from July to October, 2018. From each latrine, three (3) samples were obtained for analysis of solid waste and sand/grit quantities. The quantified solid waste was further characterised to generate its composition. The method of estimation involved separation of the excreta from the solid waste and grit/sand of the faecal sludge by means of washing and drying of the contents. The results indicated high content of total waste, taken as the summation of all the solid waste including grit/sand which averaged 34.2±10.3% (n=24) per wet mass of faecal sludge and 68.9±8.0% (n=24) per dry mass of faecal sludge. Characterisation of the solid waste in the faecal sludge (n=24) showed a composition of 54.4±13.3% textiles, 16.7±6.4% plastics, 8.6±9.3% others, 8.6±5.8% organic waste, 7.6±4.8% paper, 3.1±3.6% metal and 1.0±1.2% glass. The high content of waste has an implication on the handling of faecal sludge especially at the stages of desludging, treatment and disposal/re-use. The study proposed and recommended implementation of user education, improving solid waste management systems in periurban areas and studying the feasibility of placing some facilities like biogas digesters above ground to facilitate removal of grit, which is usually problematic with underground facilities. The study also proposed and recommended strengthening the regulation on the construction and operations of latrines, which should be supported by enacting a responsive regulatory framework to ensure all measures, are effectively implemented.