There are numerous reasons for the poor sanitation coverage in many emerging and developing countries. Those politically responsible are often neither interested in, nor aware of the scale of the problem, particularly as those who suffer most are the poorer and weaker members of society. Toilets, and everything related to them, are usually associated with social taboos. The strategies, laws and policies needed to promote and support functional structures and institutions in the sanitation sector are also most often lacking. In addition to all this, there is a lack of qualified technical and management personnel in most water and sanitation authorities and utilities.

Fact Sheet about German Development Co-operation in the Water and Sanitation Sector in Africa.

This paper contains an overview on current BMZ funded programs in water priority countries and regional programs (including budget and program periods).