The course:

Dynamics of the water sector

Affordable and reliable access to drinking water is crucial for human development. Yet, millions of people are suffering from an insufficient and unsafe water supply. How is the worlds' drinking water supply organised? Which supply models are prevailing? Who is shaping the debate about current and future trends in the drinking water sector?

This online course aims to acquaint participants with the profound changes that the water and sanitation sector is undergoing since more than a decade. Special attention is given to private-public-partnerships (PPP) that have been presented as the solution to the global water supply crisis. Participants will embark on a process of collaborative learning in which they are familiarised with the current water supply models, the various forms, risks and opportunities of PPP and with alternatives to reach the poor. Questions that will be raised are:

  • what are the advantages and disadvantages of the different models of PPP?
  • which experiences have been made with PPP so far?
  • what are the prerequisites for successful PPPs?
  • what alternatives exist for PPP?

Structure and content:

Week 1: The water sector - development, actors, interests
This part analyses the current water supply situation and the urgent need for improvements in especially developing countries. It reviews the causes for the trend towards PSP and highlightes the characteristics of the water sector vis-a-vis other utility sectors. The various actors and stakeholders of the sector such as national and local governments, international financial institutions, non-governmental organisations, private companies, financial institutions and trade unions are identified according to their interests and motives with regard to PSP.

After studying the material of this unit participants should be able:

  • To understand the dimensions of the global water supply and sanitation crisis
  • To understand the specificities of the water sector
  • To analyse the factors behind the transformation of the public service
  • To identify the various stakeholders of the water sector and to understand what their interests and influence are

Week 2: From public to private and what is in between
The second week deals with the various models of private sector participation and analyses the experiences that have been made with PSP so far worldwide. PSP have been implemented highly selectively. The prerequisites for a successful implementation of PSP are discussed. Regulation to avoid the exploitation of a natural monopoly situation by private companies will be a central issue.

Having completed this section, participants should be able:

  • to distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of various models of PPP
  • to understand the prerequisites for successfully implementing a PPP
  • to compare how different forms of PPP have been implemented in various countries
  • to assess the social, political and environmental implications of PPPs

Week 3: The private sector and the poor
In the third part of the course, the role of the private sector in providing the poor with basic services will be central. How do the poor satisfy their demand? Which alternatives exist for areas where PPP is an unlikely option? What role can public providers still play? At the end of this week, participants will look at recent institutional, political and technological developments in the water and sanitation sector that are likely to shape the future of the sector.

Having completed this section, participants should be able:

  • to understand the challenges of reaching the urban poor consumers
  • to assess the role of private sector involvement in poverty reduction
  • to suggest alternatives to PPP
  • to discuss future trends that will impact on the water supply situation
    Target group:

    The course is designed for people from the field of development assistance and urban infrastructure planning such as:
    • staff from governmental and non-governmental organisations
    • sector consultants
    • politicians of relevant government bodies at local, provincial, and national level
    • students from NLH and Noragric
    • other stakeholders with an interest in the topic

    Collaborative learning:

    We ask our participants to actively contribute to the programme in order to make the collaborative learning endeavour more lively and inspiring for everybody taking part. Participation can be in the form of active contributions to the discussions, asking critical questions to your fellow participants and the coaches, suggesting good websites or co-operating with others in the completion of the assignments.
    Every week there will be different assignments that aim at deepening the content and stimulating discussions among the participants. In addition to the assignments, there is an extensive focus on debate in the 'Forum' where participants interact and are stimulated to raise own topics and initiate own discussions.


    Course fees

    The course fee is at € 750,-.
    A discount is negotiable for participants from developing countries.