Pathways for collaboratively strengthening water and sanitation systems

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Development Studies
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Collaborative approaches are vital for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery, especially when challenges surpass individual entity capacities.
• Existing research on collaboration predominantly focuses on high-income countries, leaving a gap in understanding its application in international development.
• This study addresses the limited understanding of collaborative WASH initiatives in low- and middle-income country contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the conditions and pathways that facilitate or hinder progress in collaborative WASH service delivery in Eastern Africa.
• To analyze the effectiveness of different collaborative models in addressing complex WASH challenges.
• To provide evidence-based insights for optimizing collaborative strategies in international development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to examine eleven collaborative WASH initiatives in Eastern Africa.
• Assessed the interplay of various conditions, including government participation, problem identification scope, and hub convening power.
• Analyzed qualitative data to understand the dynamics and contextual factors influencing collaborative success.

Main Results:

• Government uptake of recommendations is crucial for progress but not guaranteed by mere participation.
• Flexible problem scoping that encourages collective identification yields greater benefits than predefined scopes.
• Hub convening power is critical, achievable through various means, and enhances collaborative effectiveness.
• Political instability, shifting priorities, and staff turnover pose significant threats to collaborative efforts.
• Sufficient funding for implementation activities, alongside effective problem identification or strong hub leadership, can mitigate turnover impacts.

Conclusions:

• There is no universal best design for collaborative WASH approaches; success is context-dependent.
• Effective collaboration requires a nuanced understanding of political dynamics, funding mechanisms, and local contexts.
• While collaborative approaches can advance WASH service delivery, realistic expectations are necessary in unstable environments.
• Strengthening WASH systems necessitates adaptive strategies that leverage collective action while acknowledging contextual limitations.