TY - JOUR
T1 - Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Research Priorities and Learning Challenges under Sustainable Development Goal 6
AU - Setty, Karen
AU - Jiménez, Alejandro
AU - Willetts, Juliet
AU - Leifels, Mats
AU - Bartram, Jamie
N1 - Funding Information:
This research was conducted in collaboration with Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), with special thanks to Clarissa Brocklehurst, Amanda Marlin, Alexandra Reis and Sophie Thievenaz, as well as a volunteer working group from the SWA Research and Learning Constituency including: Sarah Dickin, Sara Marks, Patrick Moriarty, Eddy Perez, Erma Uytewaal and Vidya Venkataramanan. We thank Osborn Kwena, Nur Aisyah Nasution, Jordan Dalton and Teresa Edwards for their contributions to survey review. Funding for the study was generously provided by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Royster Society of Fellows and Center for European Studies, as well as the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (grant T32ES007018).
Funding Information:
This research was conducted in collaboration with Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), with special thanks to Clarissa Brocklehurst, Amanda Marlin, Alexandra Reis and Sophie Thievenaz, as well as a volunteer working group from the SWA Research and Learning Constituency including: Sarah Dickin, Sara Marks, Patrick Moriarty, Eddy Perez, Erma Uytewaal and Vidya Venkataramanan. We thank Osborn Kwena, Nur Aisyah Nasution, Jordan Dalton and Teresa Edwards for their contributions to survey review. Funding for the study was generously provided by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Royster Society of Fellows and Center for European Studies, as well as the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (grant T32ES007018).
Publisher Copyright:
© The Authors 2019. Development Policy Review © 2019 Overseas Development Institute
PY - 2020/1/1
Y1 - 2020/1/1
N2 - MOTIVATION: Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership addressing challenges to universal water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) access. Shortly following adoption of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the Research and Learning (R&L) constituency of SWA undertook a systematic study to determine global research priorities and learning needs.PURPOSE: We aimed to identify priority topics where improved knowledge would aid achievement of Goal 6, by developing a global WaSH research agenda, and to describe evidence-use challenges among WaSH professionals.APPROACH AND METHODS: We delivered a tailored, semi-structured electronic questionnaire to representatives from countries, R&L institutions, and other SWA partners (external support agencies, civil society, and private sector). The survey gathered views from 76 respondents working in an estimated 36 countries across all world regions. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to identify patterns and themes.FINDINGS: Most responses indicated lowered confidence on at least one Goal 6 target area, especially managing untreated wastewater and faecal sludge. Both brief and lengthy information formats were valued. WaSH information was perceived as conflicting or unreliable among non-R&L constituencies, suggesting differences in perceptions and information-seeking approaches. While the R&L constituency appeared saturated with learning and training opportunities, others perceived barriers to participating (e.g. not receiving notice or invitation). Research and other WaSH activities were frequently constrained by upward accountability to funders, while stakeholders were inconsistently included in research processes.POLICY IMPLICATIONS: This study offers insight into perceived research and decision challenges related to Goal 6 targets. It develops a unified research agenda focused on high priority topics, and recommends renewed attention to evidence synthesis, learning and implementation support, research engagement, and multisectoral coordination.
AB - MOTIVATION: Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership addressing challenges to universal water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) access. Shortly following adoption of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the Research and Learning (R&L) constituency of SWA undertook a systematic study to determine global research priorities and learning needs.PURPOSE: We aimed to identify priority topics where improved knowledge would aid achievement of Goal 6, by developing a global WaSH research agenda, and to describe evidence-use challenges among WaSH professionals.APPROACH AND METHODS: We delivered a tailored, semi-structured electronic questionnaire to representatives from countries, R&L institutions, and other SWA partners (external support agencies, civil society, and private sector). The survey gathered views from 76 respondents working in an estimated 36 countries across all world regions. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to identify patterns and themes.FINDINGS: Most responses indicated lowered confidence on at least one Goal 6 target area, especially managing untreated wastewater and faecal sludge. Both brief and lengthy information formats were valued. WaSH information was perceived as conflicting or unreliable among non-R&L constituencies, suggesting differences in perceptions and information-seeking approaches. While the R&L constituency appeared saturated with learning and training opportunities, others perceived barriers to participating (e.g. not receiving notice or invitation). Research and other WaSH activities were frequently constrained by upward accountability to funders, while stakeholders were inconsistently included in research processes.POLICY IMPLICATIONS: This study offers insight into perceived research and decision challenges related to Goal 6 targets. It develops a unified research agenda focused on high priority topics, and recommends renewed attention to evidence synthesis, learning and implementation support, research engagement, and multisectoral coordination.
KW - SDG
KW - WaSH
KW - capacity building
KW - research translation
KW - science–policy interface
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85074115583&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/dpr.12475
DO - 10.1111/dpr.12475
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 33041525
SN - 0950-6764
VL - 38
SP - 64
EP - 84
JO - Development Policy Review
JF - Development Policy Review
IS - 1
ER -