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• (Journal Article) Community institutions in water governance for sustainable livelihoods

  01.01.2022
  Successful community institutions in the global South, which are contributing to livelihoods’ improvement while conserving water and other natural resources, can sustainably build the resilience that policy makers at different tiers are seeking. This article assesses different models of community institutions in Nepal in governing water resources from various lenses, based on Ostrom’s and others’ design principles, including bricolage. Illustrated by three empirical cases, it analyses key features of community institutions in integrated water governance, their contributions to health, nutrition, food security, and environmental conservation, and ways for empowering these institutions as viable and sustainable solutions to address various livelihood challenges. However, inequalities along gender, caste, and ethnicity lines persist. We argue that the recently established local governments under the federal system in Nepal provide new opportunities for gender and social inclusion.

• (Journal Article) How a water trucking governance mechanism in the West Bank enhances equity and sustainability

  01.01.2022
  In the Oslo Accord-defined Area C of the West Bank, approximately 11,000 Palestinians are unserved by the water network, forced to rely on water trucking at extremely high prices. In response to this situation, Gruppo di Volontariato Civile (GVC), in partnership with UNICEF, created a programme to subsidize water trucking that alleviates water scarcity while enhancing the sustainability of water service delivery, equitability of tariffs, and predictability of demand. Established in 2014, the programme now covers all the water-vulnerable communities in the West Bank and has reached 35,000 people. The programme links humanitarian and development interventions by using a contiguum approach, where the humanitarian provision of trucked water is accompanied by the construction of water infrastructure and the creation of a multilevel water trucking governance system that defines the roles and responsibilities of all national, regional, and local actors in the water supply chain. By embedding water trucking into the Palestinian Water Authority’s normal activities, the programme is designed to escape a cycle of chronic emergency humanitarian response, in line with the national water sector reform agenda. Eventually, the international donor funding on which the programme depends should be phased out by implementing an equitable, universal water tariff schedule across the entire West Bank, with rates set high enough to subsidize the provision of reliable, safe, and affordable water to the vulnerable residents of Area C.

• (Journal Article) Performance of microfinance institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Indian states

  01.12.2021
  The microfinance sector has played a vital role in economic development and financial inclusion in India. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting economic activities, microfinance institutions (MFIs) were impacted adversely. The Government of India introduced a moratorium to borrowers for loan repayments. This study examines the impact of the government’s initiative of easing borrowers’ financial burdens and the number of active COVID-19 cases on the operational efficiency of MFIs in Indian states. Additionally, the analysis explores the macro-economic determinants of MFI performance. The study incorporates the random effects robust regression model. The findings suggest that interest rate and inflation impact every MFI performance criterion while national income only affects the loan penetration efficiency of MFIs. It is also found that the moratorium significantly helped borrowers, whereas, it had adverse effects on the loan penetration by MFIs. Lastly, it is shown that MFIs remained resilient to COVID-19 cases, except in the case of reduced number of borrowers.

• (Journal Article) Microfinance and business regulations in emerging markets

  01.12.2021
  The rapid expansion of microfinance has been uneven across emerging market countries. Our study examines whether the regulatory and legal environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) associated with microfinance institution (MFI) lending in informal markets may be part of the explanation. Our study of 51 emerging market countries for the period 2007–2015 used two measures of MFI lending: 1) the market penetration index (PI) which reflects MFI outreach and 2) gross loan portfolio per capita (GLP) which gauges the volume of MFI lending. Based on our search, this is the first study to incorporate both measures of MFI lending. We find that excessive regulation and weak legal institutions are associated with less MFI lending both in terms of outreach (PI) and loan volume (GLP). Hence, the international differences in MFI expansion may be partially attributable to business-unfriendly regulations and legal structures.

• (Journal Issue) Issue 4

  01.12.2021
  

• (Journal Article) Improving inclusion, competitiveness, and sustainability in midstream Honduran coffee chains

  01.12.2021
  This article presents a systematic comparison between conventional and ‘differentiated’ coffee value chains, paying attention to (micro and macro) economic performance and environmental outcomes at different midstream segments of the Honduran coffee value chains. Growth has been strong in the Honduran coffee sector, especially among coffee cooperatives and commercial enterprises devoted to the production of ‘differentiated’ coffees at premium prices. We rely on a systematic data inventory of input use, costs, and benefits of all agents involved at different midstream stages of the coffee value chains to compare their performance. We find that midstream integration is critical for yield and quality improvement of Honduran coffee. This can be reinforced through voluntary certification (mainly for organic produce) and branding. Moreover, upgrading of conventional coffee for sales at local and regional markets offers some promising prospects for inclusion and sustainability.

• (Journal Article) Contributions of savings and small loans made in Iringa Hope Joint SACCOs towards improving household welfare in Iringa region in Tanzania

  01.12.2021
  This study evaluates the small loans and regular savings deposits by members of Iringa Hope Joint SACCOs (IHJS) towards improving household welfare in Iringa region in Tanzania. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire from 170 SACCO members. The sample was chosen from each SACCO using a simple random sampling technique. The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS ver. 20, IBM, USA). The results revealed that Iringa Hope Joint SACCOs household welfare in Iringa region is improving due to increased household income, decision making, and capacity building that influences regular savings deposits by members. Furthermore, the study also revealed that employment has been increasing due to SACCOs’ financial access and it becomes sustainable as income increases. Therefore, IHJS should consider offering financial services at low interest rates to enable poorer smallholder farmers and small businesses to access finance. It should continue supporting the SACCOs' members with training to enable them to improve governance and performance of financial services.

• (Journal Article) To regulate or not? Microfinance growth and collapse in Ghana

  01.12.2021
  Regulating microfinance is an art of balance between protecting depositors and enabling financial inclusion. Experimentation with microfinance in the late 20th century fostered innovative approaches to financial inclusion of low-income populations around the world. Ghana was a pioneer in regulations that enabled microfinance in some types of licensed institutions, while tolerating other forms. In the early 21st century, for-profit microfinance took off in ways not intended by early promoters. This review paper analyses the consequences of waiting too long to rein in proliferating profit-oriented microfinance companies and failing to build capacity for regulation, resulting in lost deposits, public mistrust, and a painful delicensing exercise. It also draws on some recent empirical research to indicate implications for public perception and key success factors, leading to a recommendation that regulation be accompanied by measures to build capacity for successful transformation and supervision of microfinance institutions for both financial inclusion and sustainability.

• (Journal Issue) Issue 4

  01.10.2021
  

• (Journal Article) Realizing integrated wastewater/greywater management in Jordanian public schools

  01.10.2021
  This article highlights a case study in enabling Jordanian schools to become active agents of adaptation against water scarcity. It aims to demonstrate integrated water resources management at schools with adequate functional sustainability. This case study seeks to answer the question, are Jordanian public schools able to functionally sustain improved water and sanitation? The methodology consists of a twofold process: 1) adapting locally built, innovative, and functionally sustainable technologies; and 2) ensuring local development and local management. It finds that greywater/wastewater treatment, alongside improved reuse facilities and services, can be sustained and functional as long as it achieves effective school water demand, is powered with renewable energy, and is accompanied by a clear coordination, operation, and maintenance framework. Such intervention can reduce freshwater use and energy costs to approximately 30 per cent and 90 per cent respectively.

• (Journal Article) Taking stock: Sanitation sector needs to take greater responsibility to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

  01.10.2021
  In the run up to UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26), various position papers have been published on climate change and sanitation (and broader WASH) (WaterAid, 2020; IRC and Water For People, 2021). For logical reasons they have largely focused on climate resilience and adaptation strategies. There is a clear need to adapt sanitation systems to deal with climate impacts and to provide high quality sanitation services to underpin societal resilience.

• (Journal Article) Options for addressing poor quality drinking water in rural Vanuatu

  01.10.2021
  Consumption of poor quality water can cause diarrhoea and waterborne disease. To determine how to support residents to consume safe water, the Vanuatu Department of Water Resources (DoWR) undertook an analysis. The analysis included reviewing 793 water quality test results, exploring treatment options with WASH sector stakeholders, surveying 689 community members in three provinces, demonstrating products to 510 people in 22 communities, and interviewing key informants. Analysis of water quality results compiled by DoWR between 2000 and mid-2019 found that Escherichia coli was detected in 60% of samples tested and total coliforms were detected in 84% of samples. Overall, 62% of individuals surveyed stated that water is in some way a daily problem. Discussion facilitators reported that most individuals had not seen or heard of water treatment options beyond boiling and most who boiled admitted they do so only occasionally. Of the water treatment options explored in this research, household water filtration systems seemed the most viable approach. However, individuals underestimated the market cost of filters and indicated a willingness to pay that is half the market price. Of the different filtration systems demonstrated, consumers stated a preference for easy-to-use units with large and transparent water storage containers.

• (Journal Article) Hygiene kit distribution and use in humanitarian response: summary of information from a systematic review and key informant interviews

  01.10.2021
  Hygiene kits are commonly distributed in humanitarian emergencies to provide dignity and safety, yet remain under-researched. We aimed to close evidence gaps by completing a systematic review and key informant interviews (KII) to assess current practice in hygiene kits distributions. Fourteen KIIs were conducted and >5,000 documents were screened, with nine meeting inclusion criteria. Existing evidence highlights that reported use of hygiene kit items is high, and standardization, beneficiary involvement in kit design, and post-distribution monitoring are needed. Emergent themes from KIIs were: hygiene kit design; logistics/procurement; field appropriateness/feedback; and recommendations. Unexpectedly, menstrual health management (MHM) and market-based programming (MBP) dominated the literature. Overall, hygiene kit distributions are governed by ‘best practice’ rather than ‘evidence base’. This limited evidence base is stark compared to more robust evidence for market-based programming. As a common definition of hygiene kits was lacking, we developed and present a hygiene kit typology. We recommend hygiene kit programming: 1) understands local context, cultural norms, and preferences by incorporating beneficiary consultation and feedback; 2) ensures item type and quantity is what beneficiaries need; 3) ensures hygiene kits are context-appropriate, and considers concurrent MHM and/or MBP programming; and 4) works with coordination mechanisms to harmonize kit materials, delivery, and monitoring.

• (Journal Issue) Issue 3

  01.09.2021
  

• (Journal Article) Digital credit scoring for affordable housing finance: Syntellect and Reall in urban India

  01.09.2021
  A promising field of housing finance innovation is digital approaches to assessing the creditworthiness of low-income borrowers, based on the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to ‘alternative’ customer data. These reduce the risk of lending to underserved customers, many of whom work in the informal sector and lack formal credit histories. This article introduces and explores the emerging application of digital credit scoring technologies to affordable housing in India, through the practitioner lens of Syntellect – a Mumbai-based fintech firm – and their investor Reall, an innovator in climate-smart affordable housing. Syntellect has developed proprietary software called RightProfile – a unique customer profiler that caters to the unbanked, new to banking, and new to credit segment with a focus on informal micro-entrepreneurs. The article shares Syntellect and Reall’s experience to date, situating these within broader affordable housing trends and reflecting on the transferability of RightProfile outside India.

• (Journal Article) Beyond building: how social norms and networks shape mason construction practices in incremental homebuilding

  01.09.2021
  How do low-income households and masons make house construction decisions? A three-country study examined social norms, networks, and information flows that influence construction practices in Kenya, India, and Peru. The study used a suite of qualitative research strategies, including desk research, site observation, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, to examine households and informal construction service providers, and the interactions between them. The research sought to answer the following questions: 1) How do households and individuals make housing decisions? 2) What are the information flows, key influences, and social norms that steer these decisions? and 3) How can programmes leverage knowledge about norms to improve the quality of home construction? Findings covered areas of gender, disaster resilience, and construction labour – this article focuses on the latter. Ultimately the paper argues that designing impactful programmes for low-income housing markets requires understanding and incorporating these social norms, networks, and information flows.

• (Journal Article) Using a franchise structure to scale affordable housing internationally

  01.09.2021
  Capital investment as high as US$16 tn is required to address the shortage of adequate and affordable housing worldwide. Market-driven housing approaches that produce quality units, reduce dwelling costs, and provide access to a range of capital sources can help to solve this challenge. This article describes the experience of a social enterprise in Mexico that is taking its proven, market-driven housing solution to countries in Africa using a joint venture franchising company to execute a master franchising strategy. Its experience and the innovative approach it used to scale internationally offer useful insights and lessons for housing practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.

• (Journal Article) Inclusive housing programmes to stimulate the economy and improve health outcomes after COVID-19

  01.09.2021
  Countries around the globe have experienced the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In many countries in the Global South, interventions in the housing sector can support public and private investments and have large economic stimulus effects. This article develops a series of principles that would ensure investments in housing not only serve as economic stimuli but deliver the basis for long-term improvement in housing conditions and overall community wellbeing and health by being inclusive and sustainable. This article proposes five principles and illustrates how to apply them in core areas that would typically be included in a housing stimulus package: 1) focus on supporting housing for the underserved middle- and lower-income households; 2) inclusion of both ownership and rental markets; 3) inclusion of both formal and informal housing markets; 4) incorporating communities; and 5) avoiding long-term negative effects on housing and housing finance market development.

• (Journal Article) Building the business case for green affordable housing

  01.09.2021
  The emerging business-driven case for green affordable housing reveals six drivers of profitability: 1) access to international green finance flows for better financing terms; 2) minimized incremental cost through early planning; 3) faster sales through market differentiation; 4) savings on utility bills for owners and renters; 5) lowered default rates and superior collateral value for green mortgages; and 6) fiscal and non-fiscal incentives from local or national governments. Additionally, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives from local or national governments can further catalyse the market. Case studies from several emerging markets show that the right combination of government incentives (including non-fiscal policies), education and technical assistance to developers (including a no-cost option), and green finance (including green bonds and green mortgages) can transform housing markets. In order to reflect the total life-time cost of ownership, the concept of affordability in housing should include the impact of resource-efficiency and resilience on the costs and risks of ownership.

• (Journal Article) Book review

  01.09.2021
  Considering that decent shelter is essential to the quality of human life, the meagre attention given by the development finance sector on how to provide it is shocking. The need for a secure place to live garners surprisingly little focus outside the relatively small housing subsectors of urban development, and water and sanitation.