March 20, 2025
News
Water is the foundation of life. We need it to survive, stay healthy, grow food, and support economies. Yet, billions face water scarcity due to climate change, population growth, and poor resource management. In many regions, prolonged droughts and desertification are forcing people to leave their homes in search of water. Caritas Czech Republic is working to provide sustainable solutions, helping communities secure reliable access to this vital resource.
Billions of people lack access to safe water
The numbers tell a worrying story. Over 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and nearly 4 billion experience severe water scarcity for at least one month a year. Countries such as India, Pakistan, and those in the Middle East face extreme water stress, while sub-Saharan Africa struggles with access to clean sources.
Climate change is making it harder for people to get the water they need. Rainfall has become unpredictable, rivers and lakes are drying up, and droughts are lasting longer. In places like Ethiopia and Syria, where Caritas Czech Republic supports people in need, this means families can no longer rely on their usual water sources.
Without enough water for drinking, farming, and daily life, many are forced to leave their homes and search for better conditions elsewhere. This puts extra pressure on communities already struggling to share limited resources. Therefore, Caritas Czech Republic, is providing sustainable solutions so that people do not have to live with the fear of running out of water.
What happens when water runs out?
When water is scarce, the impact is devastating. Families are forced to use unsafe water sources, putting their health at risk. Contaminated water sources lead to diseases such as cholera and dysentery, with children being the most vulnerable. Poor sanitation contributes to malnutrition and weakens immune systems, trapping families in a cycle of illness and poverty.
For farmers, water shortages mean failed crops food shortages and financial instability. In some regions, families are forced to spend a significant portion of their income just to buy water. “Now we are seeing first-hand how climate change is affecting our fields and crops,” says Waseem a famer from Iraq who is struggling with drought.
Water scarcity does not just affect health and food—it also fuels migration and conflicts. When water sources dry up, people are forced to leave their homes in search of better living conditions. In many regions, competition over dwindling resources leads to tensions between communities, sometimes even sparking violence. Women and children often bear the burden of collecting water, limiting their education and employment opportunities.
Providing access to clean water
Caritas Czech Republic is actively working to improve access to clean water where it is needed most. In Ethiopia’s Abela Abaya district, many families used to walk for hours to fetch water, often from unsafe sources. Through partnerships with local organisations, Caritas Czech Republic is rehabilitating and expanding water systems, building tanks, and bringing clean water closer to communities.
For Almaz, a mother of seven, this has transformed daily life. Before, she used to spend three hours collecting water from a contaminated source. "Now, I can get clean water near my home, and I no longer have to walk long distances," she shares.
In Syria, years of conflict have devastated the country's water infrastructure, leaving families without reliable access to clean drinking water. Caritas Czech Republic, alongside local partners, has been maintaining and operating the Shuwaiha water station in Barshaya, ensuring that entire communities have access to safe drinking water.
For Ali from Syria, this has been life-changing. "After years of hardship, we finally found hope. We now have water regularly and in sufficient quantities. Now, we no longer have to leave the camp or spend what little we have just to buy drinking water,” he says. By restoring water access, we are not only providing a basic necessity but also bringing hope and stability to communities facing extreme hardship.
The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine left thousands of residents without drinking water, and turned an already fragile situation into an ecological disaster. Caritas Czech Republic, alongside partner organisations, stepped in to provide emergency water supplies. We built new wells, installed a water tower, repaired pipelines and provided hygiene kits. These efforts ensured access to clean drinking water for more than 53,000 people, and support continues to this day.
Additionally, innovative wastewater management solutions are key to long-term sustainability. In Georgia, Caritas Czech Republic focuses on wastewater treatment, reducing environmental pollution and ensuring clean water for communities. In Moldova, we are introducing an innovative rainwater harvesting system that will help kindergartens and households meet their water needs, improving access to safe and sustainable water even in rural areas.
Supporting farmers with sustainable irrigation and drought-resistant seeds
Millions of farmers worldwide struggle with droughts that threaten their crops, incomes, and food security. Caritas Czech Republic is helping them adapt by introducing sustainable irrigation systems and providing drought-resistant seeds. These solutions enable farmers to continue harvesting crops even during prolonged dry periods, ensuring that families have food on their tables and communities can thrive despite water shortages.
In Iraq, modern irrigation systems now allow farmers to grow crops year-round, improving food security and economic stability. In Zambia, where erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells make farming increasingly difficult, Caritas Czech Republic supports local farmers in adapting to these challenges.
One of them is Conceptor, a farmer who once struggled to provide enough food for her family. “Due to extreme drought, I harvested only a small amount, barely enough for my family," Conceptor recalls. Thanks to our training, she has learned ecological methods that help her cope with the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. "I no longer have to buy food—my harvest is enough for the whole family," she shares.
Ensuring access to water for people in need
Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges of our time, impacting health, livelihoods, and entire communities. But there is hope. Caritas Czech Republic is working to bring lasting solutions—ensuring people have access to safe drinking water, improving irrigation for farmers, and finding better ways to manage water resources.
With the support of donors and advocates, these efforts can reach even more people, transforming lives and building resilience against future water shortages. Every drop counts. By donating to Caritas Czech Republic today, you can help create a future where clean water is a guarantee for everyone.
