Southern Africa Regional Environmental Program
The southern African countries of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia suffer from frequent floods and debilitating droughts. Although many in these countries reside close to the Okavango River — which supports the livelihoods of 880,000 people — they live in extreme poverty and have limited access to adequate water and sanitation services. The USAID Southern Africa Regional Environmental Program (SAREP) increased access to safe drinking water supply and sanitation while protecting biodiversity and the Okavango River Basin’s ecosystem. Collaborating with the Southern Africa Development Community and the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission, SAREP provided communities surrounding the river with easier access to clean water, reduced contamination, and improved sustainable environmental management.
