Systems analysis – complex interactions of factors that influence the sustainability of access to improved water services in a rural municipality in South Africa

Abstract

Limited understanding of the complex interactions of factors that influence the sustainability of access to improved water services poses a threat to rural livelihoods. The study assessed the complex interactions of the factors using a network approach. The assessment was to understand the complex interaction of the factors resulting from their cause-effect relationship that influence the sustainability of access to improved water services in a rural municipality of South Africa. The results highlighted that limited budget, limited or no water supply and improper operation and maintenance were critical factors resulting from the cause-effect relationship of other factors that influenced the sustainability of access to improved water services in the study area. We conclude that critical factors with a cause-effect relationship can influence the sustainability of access to improved water services. As a result, this deprives rural communities of the benefits derived from accessing improved water services. We recommend the use of the findings by the relevant authorities responsible for water services provision to inform planning, management policies to address challenges identified to contribute to sustainability of access to improved water services. HIGHLIGHTS Understanding of complex interactions of factors is critical to ensuring sustainable access to improved water services.; Conventional approaches do not capture the complex interactions of factors.; It is critical to have a coherent understanding of the factors that influence sustainable access to improved water services.; Sustainable access to improved water services is affected by the complex interactions of factors.;

Keywords

• categorical factors
• complex systems
• makhudutamaga local municipality
• network approach
• sustainability of water services