Delivering basic infrastructure services to the urban poor: a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of bottom-up approaches. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Narayanan, Sriharini; Rajan, A. Thillai; Jebaraj, Paul; Elayaraja, M.S.
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 44(2017)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Basic infrastructure services -- Urban slums -- Participation -- Tenure security; Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2017.01.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: In the provision of basic infrastructure services to the urban poor, limited rigorous evidence on the most effective service delivery approaches is available. This meta-analysis synthesises the evidence on the effectiveness of bottom-up approaches that is characterized by the strong involvement of alternate service providers such as NGO's and CBO's in improving access to electricity, water supply, and sanitation services for the urban poor. Although bottom-up approaches are espoused, we find that they do not have a statistically significant effect. This trend was consistent for all dimensions of access: connectivity, affordability, adequacy, and effort and time. However, our findings also show that bottom-up approaches may be more effective in the water and sanitation sectors than in the electricity sector. When bottom-up approaches involve active participation from the community, the results are significantly positive. Our study suggests that innovations to bottom-up approaches that facilitate active community participation can be an effective way to increase access to basic services among the urban poor. Highlights: Overall, bottom-up approaches have been most effective in construction of individual toilets. Community participation and tenure security appear to improve access. In informal slums or illegal settlements, bottom-up approaches appear to improve access.