Capability Approach
Capability Approach is used as an alternative way to measure the economic welfare of a country. It gives an insight into which basic living standards may be lacking and how this can be improved. It also helped us immensely in the design process by allowing us to target specific and urgent stakeholder needs. We have found that, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Camp Moria, external opportunities have not allowed refugees to achieve the following combined capabilities as categorised by Martha Nussbaum.
Life & Bodily Health
This entails being able to live to the end of a human life of normal length. The high transmission rates in the camp and the inability for refugees to take precautionary measures have prevented these capabilities from being achieved.
Our solution improves this situation in two ways; Firstly, it reduces queues for water, meaning that transmission rates will be lower. Secondly, it provides additional water sources, which can be used for hand washing.
Other Species
This entails being able to live with concern for and in relation to animals, plants, and the world of nature. Camp Moria was harmful for the environment before COVID-19, but this situation has gotten even worse with the distribution of plastic PPE and water bottles.
Our solution tackles this problem by giving a purpose to the empty water bottles, meaning that they are not thrown away after a single use. Additionally, it is made from sustainable and biodegradable materials.
Control over one's environment
This entails that one should be able to hold property and have property rights on an equal basis with others. Due to queues and lack of water in Camp Moria, there is no possibility to have equal amounts of water for everyone.
Our solution will help improve this situation by reducing queues for clean water, and by adding additional water sources.