Meaning: 'Disproportionately' means in a way that is out of proportion to something else, suggesting that the poor are affected more severely than others.

Wrong options:

• proportionately: This means in proportion to something else, which does not convey the idea of unequal impact as required here.
• largely: While 'largely' suggests a significant amount, it does not imply the unequal nature of the impact on the poor.
• evenly: This implies a fair distribution, which contradicts the context of the sentence that highlights the unequal effects on the poor.

Correct answer: current

Explanation: The word 'current' refers to the present time, which is essential in the context of discussing projected human population growth and its implications for water demand. It fits grammatically as it describes the type of projected growth being discussed.

Meaning: 'Current' means happening now or existing at this time, indicating the ongoing nature of population growth.

Wrong options:

• substitute: This refers to something that replaces another, which does not fit the context of discussing population growth.
• reactionary: This implies a response to something, which is not relevant to the ongoing growth being projected.
• sustenance: While related to support or nourishment, it does not accurately describe the type of growth being referenced.

Correct answer: sustenance

Explanation: The term 'sustenance' refers to the means of sustaining life, which is directly relevant to the context of providing water for human needs. It fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'for'.

Meaning: 'Sustenance' means the food and drink that people need to live, emphasizing the essential nature of water for survival.

Wrong options:

• substitute: This does not relate to the concept of providing for human needs, as it implies replacement rather than necessity.
• substance: This refers to a physical material, which does not fit the context of discussing human needs for water.
• sustainable: While related to the concept of maintaining resources, it does not serve as a noun that fits the sentence structure.

Correct answer: collaborative

Explanation: The word 'collaborative' describes approaches that involve working together, which is essential in the context of promoting sustainable water management. It fits grammatically as it modifies 'approaches' appropriately.

Meaning: 'Collaborative' means involving two or more parties working together towards a common goal, highlighting the cooperative nature of the efforts.

Wrong options:

• operation: This refers to the act of functioning or working, which does not convey the idea of teamwork required in this context.
• cooperating: While related, it is a verb form and does not fit grammatically as an adjective modifying 'approaches'.
• collaborating: This is also a verb form and does not fit the grammatical structure needed here.

Correct answer: agencies

Explanation: The term 'agencies' refers to organizations that have a specific function, which fits the context of UN entities working together on water issues. It fits grammatically as it serves as the noun that complements 'partner UN'.

Meaning: 'Agencies' means organizations or bodies that provide a particular service or function, especially in a governmental or international context.

Wrong options:

• sectors: This refers to distinct parts of an economy or society, which does not fit the context of organizations working on water issues.
• factors: This implies elements that contribute to a situation, which does not align with the idea of organizations involved in water management.
• segments: This refers to parts of a whole, which does not accurately describe the collaborative entities involved.