Comparison of community managed projects and conventional approaches in rural water supply of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to compare Community Managed Projects (CMP) approach with the conventional approaches (Non-CMP) in the case of Ethiopia. The data collection methods include a household survey (n=1806), community representative interviews (n=49), focus group discussions with district water experts (n=48) and observations of water systems (n=49). The data were collected from seven districts of two regions of Ethiopia. The study shows that CMP have a better platform to involve the community than non-CMP. In terms of reducing distances to water points, all approaches succeeded. However, the intended amount of water supplied is not achieved in all the cases: only 25% of CMP users and 18% of non-CMP users are able to get water according to the national standard, 15 L per capita per day. Fee collection in the approaches has a high disparity in favour of CMP. To keep long-lasting services, three requirements need to be particularly fulfilled: quantity, quality and accessibility.