Wastewater management and treatment is a major issue in developing countries, and is targeted as a priority in the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015). In this context, INRAE’s expertise, which is recognised and active at national level, is much in demand to support government bodies in their wastewater management policies (treatment, reuse) as well as in their development of skills in the various treatment technologies.

Thanks to INRAE’s experience in running projects on these issues in the French Overseas Departments, the transposition of this approach to developing countries is attractive to funding agencies.

Numerous projects have been carried out in this context, either as part of international cooperation (with the pS-Eau programme, for example) or under agreements with funding agencies (such as the AFD). Our expertise covers issues such as transferring skills in innovative technologies, helping to improve the sizing and use of existing technologies in local areas, and supporting decision-making on the choice of sanitation systems and technologies. While there is a growing demand for expertise in southern countries (Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Costa Rica, etc.), this expertise is also sometimes sought by developed countries (Switzerland, USA, etc.).