Where humanitarian action meets long-term water security

Rosine's goal of the deployment focused on promoting peace and sustainability in the region affected by migration and climate change. She explains, "Many people came from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, fleeing conflict. These circumstances created a shortage of water, which led to tension within communities." To tackle these issues, Rosine focused on 3 main goals. First, collecting technical data on the available water supplies. Second, establishing a coordination structure to improve cooperation among organisations. And third, providing practical support for projects, such as installing water pumps and forming local management groups.

Humanitarian aid versus development support

David states, "Humanitarian aid requires immediate action, while development efforts focus on long-term solutions and resilience. We should connect these efforts, such as involving the National Water Program (a government entity) in Côte d'Ivoire, when planning projects in the North. Instead of single-use facilities like water points, we should create multi-purpose structures for greater benefits. Balancing humanitarian aid with development support is a constant balancing act."

Short-term solutions versus long-term prevention

David continues, "When Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is the starting point, the focus shifts from combating symptoms to tackling structural causes of vulnerability and migration. This approach emphasises collaboration between governments and communities for sustainable long-term solutions. The main obstacles often include limited coordination, short funding cycles and competing priorities. The DRRS initiative, along with Rosine, has facilitated dialogue among groups and enhanced the national capacity of the national water platform to sustain interventions beyond the project timeline. Shifting from short-term fixes to long-term prevention takes time, data and trust."

Rosine, as an IWRM specialist, emphasises the importance of the humanitarian–development nexus in water management. "Finding the balance is easier than many think. Humanitarian aid meets urgent needs by installing water facilities for immediate use. These structures remain in place, but for them to last, you need solid organisation and the right skills within the community. Humanitarian action can lead to sustainable development if capacity building and long-term planning are prioritised and integrated from the start."

Shifting from short-term solutions to long-term prevention, however, requires more than infrastructure; it also requires a comprehensive approach. Rosine explains, "Awareness is fundamental, as poor water point use can lead to pollution, disease and damaged equipment. Many projects end prematurely, often lacking proper follow-up and long-term funding support. Budgets often prioritise infrastructure over community training. To strengthen this connection, we need to focus on long-term engagement, improved management systems, and investment in local capacity to maintain safe and functional water systems for the community."

From conventional message to visionary approach

David explains that the most challenging aspect when shifting from conventional methods to a new vision is coordinating between institutions and agencies. It takes continuous facilitation to align various ministries and partners around a shared vision on IWRM. Rosine played a crucial role in ensuring consistent communication and follow-up with all parties involved. This approach has proved and continues to prove critical for maintaining progress. We are promoting IWRM in Côte d'Ivoire, but it is challenging to turn strategic ideas from the initial scoping missions into actionable plans. By refining our project proposals, we aim to transition from short-term efforts to more organised and strategic support."

The strength of a good partnership

David explains that the partnership with Rosine came from IOM and RVO's desire to boost local knowledge and ownership in IWRM. RVO's service through the DRRS initiative enabled them to include a skilled Ivorian professional in IOM's operations. This approach helped us match external technical assistance with local needs, ensuring that project results were relevant and sustainable.
Working with the RVO DRRS team has been exemplary. Their engagement went beyond funding; they offered a true technical partnership and adapted to our national context. Also, they helped Rosine in enhancing her IWRM expertise by connecting her with an IWRM expert in the Netherlands, making her an even more skilled expert. This collaboration fostered innovation and strengthened IOM's role in Côte d'Ivoire's national development priorities, serving as a model for excellent and effective, locally anchored cooperation between a government agency and an implementing agency."