Household Clean Water Technology: Validation, Use and Impact (IGC Policy Brief)

Abstract

Lack of access to clean water is one of the most significant threats to health and welfare in the developing world. This problem is especially acute in rural Africa, where over half the population lacks access to improved water. A related issue is whether consumers are willing to pay for these technologies. Higher willingness to pay can indicate a higher value of the technologies for health improvements and can support sustainable market-based approaches to the provision of clean water technology. This study examines demand for and impacts of the Kosim filter, a particular purification technology that is appropriate for the region in northern Ghana, as it both removes particulates and neutralizes bacteria without the use of chemicals or electricity. Linking potentially heterogeneous impacts to willingness-to-pay provides a necessary input for accurate cost-benefit analysis.

Citation

Berry, J.; Fischer, G.; Guiteras, R. Household Clean Water Technology: Validation, Use and Impact (IGC Policy Brief). International Growth Centre (IGC), London, UK (2011) 4 pp.

Household Clean Water Technology: Validation, Use and Impact (IGC Policy Brief)

Published 1 January 2011