Jeffrey P. Walters

Long-Term Functionality of Rural Water Services in Developing Countries: A System Dynamics Approach to Understanding the Dynamic Interaction of Factors

Research has shown that sustainability of rural water infrastructure in developing countries is largely affected by the dynamic and systemic interactions of technical, social, financial, institutional, and environmental factors that can lead to premature water system failure. This research employs system dynamics modeling, which uses feedback mechanisms to understand how these factors interact dynamically to influence long-term rural water system functionality. To do this, the research first identified and aggregated key factors from the literature, then asked water sector experts to indicate the polarity and strength between factors through Delphi and cross impact survey questionnaires, and finally used system dynamics modeling to identify and prioritize feedback mechanisms. The resulting model identified 101 feedback mechanisms that were dominated primarily by three- and four-factor mechanisms that contained some combination of the factors: Water System Functionality, Community, Financial, Government, Management, and Technology, implying these factors were the most influential on long-term functionality. These feedback mechanisms were then scored and prioritized, with the most dominant feedback mechanism identified as Water System Functionality-Community-Finance-Management. This study showcases a way for practitioners to better understand the complexities inherent in rural water development using expert opinion and indicates the need for future research in rural water service sustainability that investigates the dynamic interaction of factors in different contexts.

Management of rural water services in Nicaragua: a systemic network approach to evaluating stakeholder alignment

Water sector literature attributes a substantial cause of rural water system failure in developing countries to poor alignment between water service stakeholders. This study aimed to investigate a means for assessing stakeholder alignment by comparing the systemic interaction of stakeholder values, where the term ‘stakeholder values’ refers to aspects stakeholders believe are necessary to ensure rural water services are sustainable. The research held focus groups with key stakeholder groups involved in the management of rural water infrastructure in Terrabona, Nicaragua, to identify stakeholder values, and then used cross-impact analysis to evaluate how these values interacted to form stakeholder value networks (SVNs). Using normalized betweenness centrality measures, the structures of SVNs were compared to determine alignment. Results from this study showed high levels of stakeholder alignment on the topics of water resources and technology for the sustainability of rural water systems, while there was marked nonalignment regarding the involvement of local government and organizations in the management of water infrastructure. This study offers compelling evidence for future studies to assess stakeholder alignment by identifying and structurally analyzing SVNs.

Exploring the use of social network analysis to inform exit strategies for rural water and sanitation NGOs

ABSTRACTWhile integrated management schemes often improve resolution of technical issues with rural water and sanitation (WatSan) infrastructure, the challenges they can present are more complex. One example is the proper communication between stakeholders, a challenge that is magnified when the service is constructed and managed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) that later leaves the management structure. This study investigates an approach to visualize and quantitatively evaluate how communication between stakeholders influences resolution efforts, using social network analysis (SNA). The methods employed here are demonstrated with a case study in the municipality of Dario, Nicaragua, where a large WatSan NGO is planning its exit strategy. Survey data were used to construct weighted social networks representing the efficacy of communication links and pathways on both water and sanitation service resolution in Dario. SNA was then used to evaluate the potential implications of the NGO’s disengageme...