Colombia - Improving Hygiene and Access to Safe Water - ACF Appeal 2014

March 2014 - Despite ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of Colombia and the main guerrilla group (FARC-EP) the country continues to suffer the consequences of a prolonged armed conflict. Estimates indicate that 5.5 million people have been forced to leave their homes since 1985 (with up to 200 000 new displacements occurring each year) and some 205 000 Colombians have fled to Venezuela and 55 000 to Ecuador. Forced recruitment (including of children and youth) into armed groups selective killings gender-based violence and the use of landmines in farming areas are contributing to the high level of insecurity in the country. Colombia is also prone to natural disasters which can further threaten an already vulnerable population. In 2014 the United Nations estimates that some 7.1 million Colombians will be affected by violence or natural disasters. With DFATD's support Action Against Hunger is addressing the basic needs in water sanitation and hygiene of 15 000 conflict-affected people in Nariño Department. Project activities include: (1) provision of safe water to 8 500 people; (2) provision of sanitation facilities to 640 people; (3) promotion of good hygiene practices to 10 500 people; (4) provision of water tanks and water filter systems to 1 900 households; (5) construction rehabilitation or repair of four collective sanitation systems 120 household water supply systems and 120 latrines; and (6) distribution of 1 700 basic hygiene kits including soap and tooth brushes.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to safe water; (2) improved access to sanitation facilities; and (3) improved hygiene practices. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.