Multi-Criteria Decision Matrix
Multi-Criteria Decision Matrix Analysis provides analysts the opportunity to assess a problem and make a decision utilizing a quantitative approach, through ranking and refining decisions according to previously set criteria. This analysis, for the purpose of this project, helped to decide the best course of action for the use of USD 100 million in order to support stability and counteract the influence of China within the country.
Infrastructure for Clean Water Access Likely to Combat Chinese Influence
Executive Summary
Investing USD 100 million into increased water conservation, sanitation, and equality of access technologies will likely support continued prosperity and diminish the influence of China in Botswana. The reliance of both the mining and agriculture industries on underground water requires more than aquifers can renew naturally. Access to clean water fluctuates between urban and rural populations. Additionally, updating technology to center on water will require the renovation of key infrastructure, decreasing China’s control.
Discussion
Groundwater is an expansive resource within the country; however, costs, low yields, poor quality, and distance from population centers limits the retrievable amount.[i] The mining and agriculture sectors rates of use exceed the sustainable levels of underground water sources.[ii] Additionally, Botswana cannot build more dams due to the country’s terrain, and those currently in use primarily function as water storage.[iii]
The country’s urban areas receive better allocation of water resources and access to clean water. As demand for water in urban areas increases, inadequate water management leads to food shortages and disruption of business, health, and education services.[iv] Additionally, settlement size determines the allocation of water sanitation systems, with prioritization of larger and upper income areas.[v]
Chinese companies profit from the implementation of major building projects, such as dams, railroads, roadways, airports, and other key infrastructure.[vi],[vii] China also provides scholarship and training opportunities for Botswanan students in China.[viii] The investment in water conservation, allocation, and sanitation infrastructure will combat the disruption of educational experiences for students, and provide further employment opportunities within the country, decreasing the impact of Chinese strategies.
Investing USD 100 million into increased water conservation, sanitation, and equality of access technologies will likely support continued prosperity and diminish the influence of China in Botswana. The reliance of both the mining and agriculture industries on underground water requires more than aquifers can renew naturally. Access to clean water fluctuates between urban and rural populations. Additionally, updating technology to center on water will require the renovation of key infrastructure, decreasing China’s control.
Discussion
Groundwater is an expansive resource within the country; however, costs, low yields, poor quality, and distance from population centers limits the retrievable amount.[i] The mining and agriculture sectors rates of use exceed the sustainable levels of underground water sources.[ii] Additionally, Botswana cannot build more dams due to the country’s terrain, and those currently in use primarily function as water storage.[iii]
The country’s urban areas receive better allocation of water resources and access to clean water. As demand for water in urban areas increases, inadequate water management leads to food shortages and disruption of business, health, and education services.[iv] Additionally, settlement size determines the allocation of water sanitation systems, with prioritization of larger and upper income areas.[v]
Chinese companies profit from the implementation of major building projects, such as dams, railroads, roadways, airports, and other key infrastructure.[vi],[vii] China also provides scholarship and training opportunities for Botswanan students in China.[viii] The investment in water conservation, allocation, and sanitation infrastructure will combat the disruption of educational experiences for students, and provide further employment opportunities within the country, decreasing the impact of Chinese strategies.