A Study on the Adaptation Systems for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector to Respond to Climate Impact in Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia

Abstract

Living in Svay Rieng province's urban and rural areas carries a significant danger for those who lack proper access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This study has three objectives: (a) to assess the current impact of climate change on rural WASH; (b) to examine the adaptation systems of rural WASH as they respond to climate change; and (c) to determine the elements of appropriate mechanisms and supporting systems for the sustainability of rural WASH's climate  change  adaptation.  As  a  methodology, this   research   surveyed   136   samples   from   8 districts in  Svay  Rieng  province.  The  results found that knowledge and awareness of people on climate change were at 92.65%. The main factors that cause climate change are burning fossil fuels like oils, gasoline, and coal. Water and sanitation are   two   sensitive   sectors   that   are touched by climate change. There are two kinds of         elements:        appropriate   mechanisms   and supporting systems for the sustainability of rural water supply. To improve future rural WASH in local communities  and  adaptation  to  climate change, people should focus on using high-tech infrastructure for water supply stations such as safe water pipe systems, water treatment stations, pump wells,  and  ponds  that  are  resilient  and adapt to climate impact.