Abstract

Abstract Improving water governance is a top priority for addressing the global water crisis. Yet, there is a dearth of empirical data examining whether better water governance is associated with lower water insecurity and improved well-being. We, therefore, pooled household data from two Sustainable Water Effectiveness Reviews conducted by Oxfam GB in Zambia (n = 997) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, n = 1,071) to assess the relationship between perceived water governance (using a 12-item indicator), water insecurity [using the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) Scale], and four indicators of well-being: life satisfaction, drinking unsafe water, diarrhea, and resilience to cholera outbreak. Using generalized structural equation models controlling for wealth and primary water source, each point increase in water governance score was associated with a 0.69-point decrease in HWISE Scale scores. Good water governance was also directly associated with greater odds of life satisfaction (aOR 1.24) and lower odds of both drinking unsafe water (aOR 0.91) and severe cholera impact (aOR 0.92). Furthermore, the relationships between water governance and drinking unsafe water, diarrhea, and cholera impact were mediated by household water insecurity. Improving water governance has the potential to meaningfully impact entrenched public health issues through changes in water insecurity.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.