THE CONCEPT AND PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT OF RURAL WATER ANDSANITATION PROGRAMMES

Abstract

Thispaper contributes to the discussion onfinding a concise definition, which would encapsulate the concept of community management. It argues that although commu- nity management continues to be the most acceptable strategy for ensuring sustain- able water supply and sanitation schemes, the concept and its practice lack concise definition. This is because as a new development paradigm. it continues to be defined and redefined byfield experiences as practitioners endeavor to develop best prac- tices. The concept of community management can only thus be understood within the context of what pertains in thefield. It is therefore suggested that the conceptualiza- tion of any community management strategy should encompass issues relating to its practice. especially with regard tofactors influencing the performance of water and sanitation committees and sustainability of programmes. These include the develop- ment of strong and innovative local leadership. establishment of mechanisms for con- tinuous institutional support, both financial and technical, for communities and inte- gration of the status andfunctions of water and sanitation committees into existing local governance structures. /1 also requires the institutionalization of appropriate legal framework and control mechanisms that could empower local governance structures, traditional authorities and entire communities to demand accountability from community management committees and establishment of appropriate incentive regimes that could motivate members of management committees to want to commit themselves to ensuring the sustainabi/ity of water supply and sanitation schemes.