The need for applied research institutions is most critical in African countries. More than half of the African countries do not have a research institute or facility dealing with water resources, and little is being done so far to improve the situation in the region. In the other developing regions, the situation is better, although several countries lack institutes dealing with certain essential aspects of water management. Putting emphasis in the International Development Strategy for the 1990s on human resource development therefore must include improving education, training and research on water management.
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends strengthening the adaptive research capacity of institutions in developing countries.