Responsibilization in Water Supply in International Development

Bibliographic Data

ID17835255
AuthorsMarina Korzenevica (0000-0003-0900-4326, University of Oxford, corresponding author), Catherine Fallon Grasham (0000-0003-2413-4233, University of Oxford)
Year2026
Publication date2026-04-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueProgress in Environmental Geography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2753-9687 • E-ISSN: 2753-9687
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/27539687261431320
OpenAlexW7152628785
LanguageEN
References cited125

Domestic water supply responsibilities in the Global South are typically explored through the lens of the efficiency or failure of different models. In this article, we explore how, why, and with what effects various responsibilities have been assigned at different scales, focusing on global–local relations and perspectives of individuals (end users), social groups, and communities. We conceptualize responsibilization in water by proposing a framework to analyze three questions: (1) How is responsibilization institutionalized and rationalized?—including its rationales and mechanisms of power; (2) How is it operationalized and negotiated?—focusing on capacities and negotiations of responsibility; (3) With what impacts at the individual level?—particularly competing, gendered responsibilities and vulnerabilities. Through a literature review, we critically examine the techniques and expansion of responsibilization, highlighting how they may lead to negative impacts

Capability approach · International development · International relations · Negotiation · Operationalization · Water supply · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Water Governance and Infrastructure · Water Resources and Sustainability

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access