SecureWater - Whither Poverty? Livelihoods in the DRA: a case study of the Water Supply Programme in India.

Abstract

In-depth case study research in Andhra Pradesh provides critical insights into both conceptual and practical challenges associated with the implementation of Demand Responsive Approaches (DRA) to water supply in the Indian context. The ultimate purpose of the research is to highlight ways in which current approaches might be enhanced to ensure appropriate balance between sustainability and poverty reduction objectives.

The study combined key informant interviews with stakeholders at national, state and district level and in-depth fieldwork in two rural communities. A range of different research methodologies was employed to examine the nature of household economy and water-dependent livelihood activities within each community, in order to understand how these impact upon household and community demand for water.

The research report provides in-depth analysis of different aspects of sector reforms in India.
• The process of policy and institutional reform at national level (section 1).
• The process of policy and institutional reform in Andhra Pradesh and the way in which national and state level policy reforms are translated into practice (sections 2 and 3)
• The nature and dynamics of water-poverty-livelihood linkages in two case study locations, the extent to which these are addressed in current approaches and the implications for future design and implementation of DRA programmes (sections 4, 5 and 6).

Citation

London, UK; ODI, ISBN 0 85003 732 8, 93 pp.

SecureWater - Whither Poverty? Livelihoods in the DRA: a case study of the Water Supply Programme in India.

Published 1 January 2004