An evaluation of the relative importance of technical and non- technical factors which affect water and sanitation projects in developing countries

Abstract

Technical factors, such as engineering and medical approaches, and non-technical factors, such as education and community participation, were evaluated with regard to how they affect water and sanitation programs. Benefits and limitations of each factor were assessed to determine which limitations significantly impact the effectiveness of programs. With this appreciation of technical and nontechnical factors, case studies of control methods of different diseases were evaluated. This led to recommendations of appropriate mixes of technical and non-technical services for disease control. This evaluation was utilized to develop a planning approach to effectively integrate interagency efforts for the control of multiple diseases.