Evaluation of failings in urban water supply and sanitation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review to inform future planning

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dc.contributor.authorAgbo, Chukwuemeka
dc.contributor.authorJeffrey, Paul
dc.contributor.authorSule, May N.
dc.date.accessioned2025-03-04T11:52:59Z
dc.date.available2025-03-04T11:52:59Z
dc.date.freetoread2025-03-04
dc.date.issued2025-02-01
dc.date.pubOnline2025-01-17
dc.description.abstractThe high failure rate of water supply and sanitation (WSS) systems is a major concern, especially for developing countries. Using the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence guidelines, this study carried out a systematic review of literature on failings in WSS in the urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa to identify the factors hindering sustainability as lasting coverage. There were 101 full-text articles examined and 21 articles included in the final review. The findings are discussed through the lens of the financial, institutional, environmental, technological and social (FIETS) framework and depicted in a causal loop diagram to visualize the system structure. In total, 37 factors that contribute to the failings of urban WSS systems across 14 Sub-Saharan African countries were identified. The root causes of failed or failing systems included a lack of stakeholder engagement in the planning and implementation; limited human resources capacity; limitations imposed by settlement type (informal settlements); insufficient funds, corruption and mismanagement of funds; and insufficient operation and maintenance of facilities. The study concludes that sustainability in the sector will involve the use of legal instruments, adequate planning techniques, anti-corruption and cost recovery mechanisms to ensure long-term financing.
dc.description.journalNameJournal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
dc.format.extentpp. 148-165
dc.identifier.citationAgbo C, Jeffrey P, Sule MN. (2025) Evaluation of failings in urban water supply and sanitation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review to inform future planning. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, Volume 15, Issue 2, February 2025, pp. 148-165en_UK
dc.identifier.eissn2408-9362
dc.identifier.elementsID563967
dc.identifier.issn2043-9083
dc.identifier.issueNo2
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2025.267
dc.identifier.urihttps://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/23545
dc.identifier.volumeNo15
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherIWA Publishingen_UK
dc.publisher.urihttps://iwaponline.com/washdev/article/15/2/148/106970/Evaluation-of-failings-in-urban-water-supply-and
dc.rightsAttribution 4.0 Internationalen
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subject33 Built Environment and Designen_UK
dc.subject4104 Environmental Managementen_UK
dc.subject40 Engineeringen_UK
dc.subject41 Environmental Sciencesen_UK
dc.subject4011 Environmental Engineeringen_UK
dc.subject3304 Urban and Regional Planningen_UK
dc.subject16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutionsen_UK
dc.subject6 Clean Water and Sanitationen_UK
dc.subjectfailuresen_UK
dc.subjectsanitationen_UK
dc.subjectSub-Saharan Africaen_UK
dc.subjectsustainabilityen_UK
dc.subjecturban systemsen_UK
dc.subjectwater supplyen_UK
dc.titleEvaluation of failings in urban water supply and sanitation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review to inform future planningen_UK
dc.typeArticle
dcterms.dateAccepted2025-01-06

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