Economic valuation meta-analysis of freshwater improvement in developed and developing countries. Are they different?

Abstract

The quality of drinking water differs across countries, so households show different levels of willingness to pay (WTP) to improve it, which is also influenced by their income levels. This study presents a meta-analysis using studies from 30 developed and developing countries, representing 4.7 billion inhabitants. At the international level, by standardizing these values (PPP) to international US dollars of 2011, developing countries show, on average, a greater WTP than developed countries relative to their income and an inverse correlation between their water footprint and their WTP. HIGHLIGHTS A comparative meta-analysis between developed and developing countries.; Developing countries are willing to pay more to improve their drinking water.; Policy-makers can use these results to guide their decisions.; Developing countries are willing to pay more to improve their freshwater, but do not trust their governments.; Developing countries are willing to pay more for the freshwater in relation to their income.;

Keywords

• contingent valuation
• meta-analysis
• water footprint
• water improvement
• willingness to pay