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Bridging Science and Practice-Importance of Stakeholders in the Development of Decision Support: Lessons Learned

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  • Innocent K. Tumwebaze

    (Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
    Department of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Joan B. Rose

    (Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Nynke Hofstra

    (Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Matthew E. Verbyla

    (Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA)

  • Daniel A. Okaali

    (Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Panagis Katsivelis

    (Venthic Technologies, 121 37 Athens, Greece)

  • Heather M. Murphy

    (Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
    Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada)

Abstract

User-friendly, evidence-based scientific tools to support sanitation decisions are still limited in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector. This commentary provides lessons learned from the development of two sanitation decision support tools developed in collaboration with stakeholders in Uganda. We engaged with stakeholders in a variety of ways to effectively obtain their input in the development of the decision support tools. Key lessons learned included: tailoring tools to stakeholder decision-making needs; simplifying the tools as much as possible for ease of application and use; creating an enabling environment that allows active stakeholder participation; having a dedicated and responsive team to plan and execute stakeholder engagement activities; involving stakeholders early in the process; having funding sources that are flexible and long-term; and including resources for the acquisition of local data. This reflection provides benchmarks for future research and the development of tools that utilize scientific data and emphasizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders in the development process.

Suggested Citation

  • Innocent K. Tumwebaze & Joan B. Rose & Nynke Hofstra & Matthew E. Verbyla & Daniel A. Okaali & Panagis Katsivelis & Heather M. Murphy, 2021. "Bridging Science and Practice-Importance of Stakeholders in the Development of Decision Support: Lessons Learned," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5744-:d:558708
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Murphy, Heather M. & McBean, Edward A. & Farahbakhsh, Khosrow, 2009. "Appropriate technology – A comprehensive approach for water and sanitation in the developing world," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 158-167.
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