Promoting Inclusive Growth and Wellbeing in the Informal Water and Sanitation (WASH) Sector in Ghana and Kenya
Loading...
Authors
Dery, Florence
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
informal jobs , health risks , water insecurity , sanitation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: More than 3.6 billion and 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed sanitation and water service respectively. To bridge the service gaps, informal water and sanitation businesses have emerged as alternative service providers to meet the water and sanitation needs of unserved urban populations in Africa and many other low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Informal water and sanitation workers provide a fundamental public service particularly in areas where access to municipal water and sanitation service is limited. These workers however faced many challenges in their line of work that affect their health and wellbeing. Yet research in this area remains limited. Objectives: This research had three broad objectives: 1) to examine how informality in the water sector is understood and practiced in Sub-Saharan Africa; 2: to explore gendered health risks faced by water vendors in the performance of their daily tasks in Ghana and Kenya; and 3) to explore the work patterns and health risks faced by different groups of women engaged in informal sanitation work in Ghana and Kenya. Methods: A qualitative approach – involving review, in-depth interviews, and observations was used. The dissertation consists of three manuscript-style documents (Chapters 4, 5 and 6) and form the substantive chapters of the thesis. Though each manuscript has unique objectives and methods, together, they form a conceptual whole. Results: Chapter 4 reports the role of informal markets in urban water service provision, showing that while they were mostly considered transitional or temporary, they are now widely accepted as an inherent characteristic of many urban centers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Chapter 5 revealed that water vendors were mostly exposed to injuries, environmental pollution, and stigma. Female water vendors experience unique physical threats that may put them at greater risk for chronic health and safety risks. Chapter 6 showed that female informal sanitation workers were exposed to injuries and infections, stigma and discrimination, emotional and ii psychological distress, and sexual harassment. Implications: A better understanding of the health risks faced by informal water vendors and sanitation workers will provide policy makers with greater insight into how water vendors can be better supported to provide more improved services to enhance greater access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in resource-constrained urban settings. Findings from this work could also contribute to social protection policies, the promotion of inclusive growth, and the design of empowerment programs for women.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.