Water Supply and Sanitation Policy in Developing Countries Part 2: Developing Effective Interventions from Coursera

Water Supply and Sanitation Policy in Developing Countries Part 2 is our second MOOC in a two-part sequence, and looks at ‘Developing Effective Interventions’. Here we invite you to develop analytical skills and deep understanding about a complex, controversial policy problem – one with no simple, easy answers. About half a billion people on our planet still lack access to improved water supplies and about two billion do not have improved sanitation services, leading to an unknown but very large number of avoidable deaths each year from water-related diseases. Millions of dollars are spent on avoidable health care expenditures, and people – mostly women – spend many billions of hours carrying water from sources outside the home. Reducing these costs is a major global challenge for us all in the 21st century. Join us to explore the challenging and complex political, economic, social, and technical dimensions of the policy interventions that donors, national governments and water utilities use to address this challenge. This second MOOC consists of the following seven sessions:

• Session 1: Introduction and how our ‘ancient instincts’ affect water policy interventions.

• Session 2: Planning better policy interventions: Roles, features and examples of planning protocols.

• Session 3: Water pricing, tariff design and subsidies.

• Session 4: Providing information to households and communities to improve water and sanitation conditions.

• Session 5: Changing the institutions that deliver water and sanitation services: Privatization in developing countries.

• Session 6: Changing institutions: Lessons from the UK water privatization story.

• Session 7: Changing institutions: Improving regulation of the water and sanitation sector.

Your instructors for this course have worked in and studied this sector for many years. Professor Dale Whittington has worked on water and sanitation policy and planning issues for over 40 years in more than two dozen low and middle-income countries. Dr Duncan Thomas has worked in the UK and European water sectors for 15 years, focusing on overcoming barriers to technological, organizational, regulatory and policy innovations.

Please watch this introductory video outlining the course: https://youtu.be/KkBmo3EKkkI

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and how our ‘ancient instincts’ affect water policy intervention

Planning better policy interventions: Roles, features and examples of planning protocols

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

This course explores several complex, real-world issues affecting global water supply and sanitation, which is standard in the water resource management industry

Taught by Dr Duncan Thomas and Prof Dale Whittington, who are recognized for their work in the water and sanitation sectors

Develops analytical skills and deep understanding about developing effective water supply and sanitation interventions in developing countries, which are core skills for improving global health through water

Examines how ancient instincts may affect water policy, which may add color to the topic of policy making in other, unrelated fields of study

Provides examples of planning protocols for better policy interventions, which may strengthen existing foundations for intermediate learners

Teaches various roles and features of water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, which are highly relevant to both industry and academia

Reviews summary

Water policy and intervention strategies

According to learners, this course on Water Supply and Sanitation Policy Part 2 offers valuable insights into developing effective interventions. Students highlight the extensive experience and knowledge of the instructors as a major strength. The content is considered highly relevant for professionals in the sector, focusing on complex political, economic, and social factors. While many find the case studies and examples particularly helpful, some reviews suggest the material can be challenging and might assume prior knowledge, making a background in Part 1 or the field beneficial. Overall, it's seen as a rewarding and in-depth exploration of critical policy issues.

The topics covered are complex and dense.

"This is a demanding course, not for beginners."

"The material is dense, but the lectures break it down reasonably well."

"Requires significant effort to fully absorb the complex political and economic ideas."

Real-world examples enhance understanding.

"The case study on UK privatization was particularly insightful."

"Examples from different developing countries helped illustrate the policy challenges."

"I found the practical examples made the theoretical concepts much clearer."

Content is highly applicable to professional work.

"This course content is highly relevant to my current work in international development policy."

"The policy analysis frameworks and tools are directly applicable to real-world problems."

"I gained practical strategies for designing and evaluating interventions."

Lecturers share deep experience and insights.

"The lecturers clearly have vast experience in the water and sanitation sector, which adds significant value."

"Prof. Whittington and Dr. Thomas provide incredibly valuable real-world insights."

"I really appreciated learning from instructors with such deep practical knowledge."

Background in Part 1 or field may be needed.

"I found it quite challenging without having taken Part 1 beforehand."

"Some concepts felt like they assumed a level of familiarity I didn't have."

"Recommend taking Part 1 or ensuring you have a solid foundational background."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Water Supply and Sanitation Policy in Developing Countries Part 2: Developing Effective Interventions with these activities:

Volunteer with a Water and Sanitation Organization

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Gain practical experience and connect with organizations working in the field by volunteering your time to support water supply and sanitation initiatives.

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Identify water and sanitation organizations in your area.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a specific volunteer role and schedule.
Participate in activities such as community outreach, data collection, or educational programs.

Join Our Community Forum

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Connect with other students, ask questions, and get support from peers to overcome any learning hurdles.

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Create an account on our online discussion forum.
Introduce yourself and post any questions you may have.
Participate in ongoing discussions and provide support to others.

Conduct a Group Presentation on Water-Related Diseases

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Collaborate with peers to research and present on water-related diseases, exploring their causes, symptoms, and prevention measures to deepen your understanding of the health implications of water supply and sanitation.

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Form a group of 3-5 students.
Choose a specific water-related disease to focus on.
Research the disease, including its transmission, symptoms, and treatment.
Prepare a presentation that summarizes your findings.
Present your findings to the class and facilitate a discussion.

Two other activities

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Create a Course Workbook

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Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials in one place to improve your retention and accessibility.

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Gather all relevant materials for the course, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
Create a dedicated notebook or digital folder for the course.
Organize materials chronologically or by topic.
Review and update your workbook regularly.

Build a Water Filtration System

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Test your understanding of water purification by designing and building a functional water filtration system that can remove impurities and improve water quality.

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Research different water filtration methods.
Design a filtration system using appropriate materials.
Build the filtration system and test its effectiveness.
Analyze the results and make improvements as necessary.

Career center

Learners who complete Water Supply and Sanitation Policy in Developing Countries Part 2: Developing Effective Interventions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Water and Sanitation Advocate

Water and Sanitation Advocates work to raise awareness of water and sanitation issues, and to promote policies and programs that improve access to water and sanitation. This course may be useful to Water and Sanitation Advocates, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water and Sanitation Advocates develop and implement advocacy campaigns that are more effective and sustainable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water and Sanitation Advocate

Water and Sanitation Researcher

Water and Sanitation Researchers conduct research on water and sanitation issues, and work to develop new solutions to these challenges. This course may be useful to Water and Sanitation Researchers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water and Sanitation Researchers develop and implement research projects that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water and Sanitation Program Manager

Water and Sanitation Program Managers oversee water and sanitation programs, and work to ensure that these programs are effective and sustainable. This course may be useful to Water and Sanitation Program Managers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water and Sanitation Program Managers develop and implement programs that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water and Sanitation Policy Advisor

Water and Sanitation Policy Advisors provide advice and assistance to governments and other organizations on water and sanitation policy issues. This course may be useful to Water and Sanitation Policy Advisors, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water and Sanitation Policy Advisors develop and recommend policies that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water and Sanitation Investment Banker

Water and Sanitation Investment Bankers provide financial advice and assistance to companies and organizations that work in the water and sanitation sector. This course may be useful to Water and Sanitation Investment Bankers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water and Sanitation Investment Bankers provide advice and assistance that is more effective and sustainable.

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Water and Sanitation Entrepreneur

Water and Sanitation Entrepreneurs develop and implement new businesses and technologies that address water and sanitation challenges. This course may be useful to Water and Sanitation Entrepreneurs, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water and Sanitation Entrepreneurs develop and implement businesses and technologies that are more effective and sustainable.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries, and often focus on issues such as water and sanitation. This course may be useful to International Development Specialists, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help International Development Specialists develop and implement programs that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water Policy Analyst

Water Policy Analysts research and analyze water policy issues, and develop and recommend policy solutions. This course may be useful to Water Policy Analysts, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water Policy Analysts develop and recommend policy solutions that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water Resources Planner

Water Resources Planners develop and implement plans for the management and use of water resources. This course may be useful to Water Resources Planners, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water Resources Planners develop and implement plans that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water Utility Consultant

Water Utility Consultants provide advice and assistance to water utilities on a variety of issues, including water supply and sanitation. This course may be useful to Water Utility Consultants, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water Utility Consultants provide advice and assistance that is more effective and sustainable.

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Sanitation Engineer

Sanitation Engineers design and manage sanitation systems, including wastewater treatment and disposal systems. This course may be useful to Sanitation Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Sanitation Engineers design and manage sanitation systems that are more effective and sustainable.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, including water pollution and sanitation issues. This course may be useful to Environmental Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Environmental Engineers develop and implement solutions that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems, including water supply and sanitation systems. This course may be useful to Water Resources Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems that are more effective and sustainable.

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Water Utility Manager

A Water Utility Manager oversees the water supply and sanitation services for a city or region. This course may be useful to Water Utility Managers, as it provides insights into the policy interventions used to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries. The course covers topics such as water pricing, tariff design, and subsidies, as well as the roles and features of planning protocols. This knowledge can help Water Utility Managers make informed decisions about how to improve water and sanitation services in their communities.

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