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“Sanitation” in the Top Development Journals: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Revilla, Ma. Laarni D.

    (Asian Development Bank Institute)

  • Qu, Fangqi

    (Asian Development Bank Institute)

  • Seetharam, K E

    (Asian Development Bank Institute)

  • Rao, Bhanoji

    (Asian Development Bank Institute)

Abstract

The top 12 development journals published a total of 18,329 papers during the period 2000‒2020. Of these, only 51 focused on sanitation and related issues, which are the focus of this review. Results were mixed on the efficiency of sanitation delivery since political factors and administrative characteristics vary across locations. Accountability and leadership, especially at the local level, appear to be important driving forces. There is a need for more case studies that analyze what works, and what does not, in specific locations. Also, further studies will have to investigate how to influence the norms, traditions, and beliefs toward favorably supporting household sanitation decisions. Additionally, governments should enhance their social welfare programs to address socioeconomic inequalities (i.e., income, gender, and rural-urban disparities), which also critically affect individual and household sanitation investments. Efforts at national and international levels are needed to encourage research on the various dimensions of sanitation.

Suggested Citation

  • Revilla, Ma. Laarni D. & Qu, Fangqi & Seetharam, K E & Rao, Bhanoji, 2021. "“Sanitation” in the Top Development Journals: A Review," ADBI Working Papers 1253, Asian Development Bank Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:adbiwp:1253
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    sanitation; sustainable development goals; systematic review; empirical evidence; accountability; health; education; gender;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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