Understanding the decision-making structures, roles and actions of village-level water committees in Fiji. Issue 3 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nelson, Sarah; Abimbola, Seye; Mangubhai, Sangeeta; Jenkins, Aaron; Jupiter, Stacy; Naivalu, Kelera; Naivalulevu, Vilisi; Negin, Joel
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 38:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 518
• Page End: 535
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Social norms -- natural resources -- watershed -- gender -- Fiji; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2021.1916449
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As part of a community-based project on water-related disease in Fiji, we conducted a qualitative study to assess the decision-making structures, roles and actions of village-level water committees. Village water committees played a role in the management, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure. Reactive and proactive management approaches were both present. The water committees had clear processes in place for decision-making and membership and were influenced by social and cultural norms. Men dominated water committee membership, roles and decision-making. Knowledge about governance structures and processes can be used to strengthen systems for water committees to effectively manage water access and security.