Understanding the Political Economy of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Issues in Rwanda Is Vital to Addressing Them

Abstract

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are examined from the Political Economy Analysis (PEA) perspective in Rwanda. Through a participatory qualitative approach, the findings show that water and sanitation services have been relatively low on the political agenda in Rwanda. There is a pronounced shortage of qualified employees at both local and national levels who should be responsible for the WASH sector. Other major PEA issues include limited accurate, reliable and timely WASH data to inform decision-making, sustainability of WASH services and ineffective decentralization. A range of strategic entry points are suggested in this paper to address these PEA issues.