Publication
Title
Not quite what's on paper? Comparison between theoretical and actual information-sharing networks in the Ugandan rural water service sector
Author
Abstract
Under Uganda’s decentralised system, rural water service delivery remains to some extent problematic. Several studies attribute the possible causes of deficiencies in the water sector to governance issues. This article applies social network analysis to map upward and downward water-related information flows between the actors of local government from village to district level. Comparing the actual information-sharing network with what’s on paper reveals a less reciprocal and more centralised network than that theoretically envisaged. Some actors, such as the district water officer, are more central than expected in terms of sending and receiving information, while others seem to underperform. Our findings show, however, that it is not the political–administrative information exchange which is the biggest obstacle, but rather information flows between higher (district and sub-county) and lower (parish and village) levels of the local governance structure. Adding water users to the analysis reveals the village chairperson as the most crucial broker of information upward to duty bearers at district level. The limited role of water user committees also becomes apparent. The authors conclude that information communication technology holds potential to overcome some of the bottlenecks (eg distance) hindering the flow of water-related information between actors at different levels.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance
Publication
2019
ISSN
1836-0394
DOI
10.5130/CJLG.VI22.7021
Volume/pages
22 (2019) , p. 1-24
Article Reference
7021
UNSP 7021
ISI
000514611000001
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Beyond the blueprint: in search of successful informal monitoring and evaluation arrangements in Rwanda and Uganda.
Publication type
Subject
Law 
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
VABB-SHW
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.02.2020
Last edited 21.08.2024
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