Water Insecurity: A Case for Social Policy Action by Social Workers

Abstract

This article discusses the nationally and internationally urgent water insecurity issue, and why it represents a highly relevant area for social policy action by social workers, both at local and global levels. Drawing on secondary data analysis, the paper explores the nature and scope of water insecurity as a global social work issue, discusses its social policy dimensions, and suggests a framework for social policy action by social workers. It argues that, due to the complex nature of the water insecurity issue and its consequences, particularly on the poor and disadvantaged groups, and on ecosystems, it is critical to analyse it from conservation, distribution, and access perspectives and to act. Social workers need to think creatively about the application of their knowledge, skills, and virtues to the water insecurity issue in order to bring about necessary changes in human and institutional behaviour relating to water.

Beyond Improved Access: Seasonal and Multidimensional Water Security in Urban Philippines

“…In turn and as Pawar (2013) notes, social welfare practitioners will then have increasingly important opportunities to advocate for and help implement such policies, using critical community engagement, organizing, and policy practice skills that are as relevant and applicable to addressing water security as they are to other social welfare concerns.…”

“…At the nexus of social, economic, and environmental concerns, ensuring water security for vulnerable and marginalized groups is an important and emerging area for social welfare research (Pawar 2013;Schmitz et al 2012). Analogous to the concept of food security, water security can be conceived from a basic needs perspective as access "by all people, at all times, to adequate water for an active and healthy lifestyle" Ragsdale 2008, p. 2117).…”

Examining Relationships between Household Resources and Water Security in an Urban Philippine Community

“…Given professional expertise and appreciation of community organizing and participatory governance (Pawar, 2013), social workers can serve important roles in helping citizens effectively advocate for the range of policy changes identified above. If implemented-in Baguio City and other settings where water security outcomes are currently unequal and unjust-such changes could serve as incremental steps on the ladder of achieving water security for all.…”

“…A key question for social work scholars and practitioners will be how to ensure basic water security for vulnerable and marginalized groups, while addressing overall societal need to reduce consumption and ensure sustainability of water supplies. Toward this end, social workers might apply Pawar's (2013) framework for social work engagement with water issues. First, social workers should help raise awareness of both the needs of those without adequate water and the need for water conservation and sustainability, and then continue raising awareness through understanding competing interests related to water supplies and engaging in policy practice to promote equitable distribution of water.…”

“…Most recently, Pawar (2013) articulated clear connections among water security, policies that fairly distribute the resources needed to secure water, and the need for social action and participatory governance to create and implement such policies. Noting a trend toward privatization of water, Pawar also highlighted that the poor are often unjustly excluded from access to adequate water; this claim is consistent with findings from the broader literature on water and development (e.g., Mahama, Anaman, & Osei-Akoto, 2014;UNICEF & WHO, 2012).…”