Understanding rurality in Latin America, an opportunity for development

With the objective of starting a dialogue space between key actors in the management of water in the region, CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, presented the report "Agua potable y saneamiento en la nueva ruralidad de América Latina" (Potable water and sanitation in Latin America's new rurality), a consult instrument that seeks to facilitate the execution of development projects in the sector so that they are sustainable and impact on the quality of life of families and communities. 

More than 20 percent of the total population of Latin America and the Caribbean lives in rural areas. In Bolivia, Ecuador, and Panama, the rural population represents approximately one third of the total. In this respect, and according to the study, it is necessary to redefine the concept of rural to incorporate new socio-economic dimensions, access to services, and connectivity, in order to improve the efficiency of water and sanitation public policies implemented in rural areas of Latin America. 

Investment in water and sanitation in Bolivia in 2014 represented 0.55 percent of GDP, almost twice as much as in most countries of the region. Bolivia, as well as Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru, constitute successful experiences where local governments have provided technical assistance to operators and rural communities in the post-project phase. 

The publication also addresses the contrast between cities and rural areas in Latin America, where the greatest deficits in quality and continuity of water and sanitation services may be observed. According to the research, 34 million Latin Americans still lack access to treated sources of water. Of these, 21 million live in rural areas and do not have access to potable water, and close to 46 million lacks improved sanitation facilities. 

The presentation of "Agua potable y saneamiento en la nueva ruralidad de América Latina" was held in La Paz, on August 17th, at CAF's auditorium between 8:30 and 13:00. The meeting included the participation of Rubén Méndez, Vice Minister of Potable Water and Basic Sanitation, Emilio Uquillas, CAF's Director Representative in Bolivia, Alfonso Alvestegui, Senior Specialist in Water and Sanitation at the World Bank, and Sergio Arispe, Executive General Director of SENASBA.