Urbanisation and Access to Improved Water Sources: Evidence from Least Developed Countries

The pace of urbanisation in the 21st century has been phenomenal especially in lower middle and low income countries. This trend is mostly explained by an unprecedented increase in semi-skilled and un-skilled migration from rural areas to urban areas and cities, putting enormous strain on natural resources, and increasing social, economic and health inequalities. Based on regression analysis of socio-economic and demographic data from 19 Demographic and Health Surveys, this study highlights the need for differentiated strategies and interventions to sustaining the provision of improved water sources in urban areas of resource-poor countries. The findings draw recommendations for policy considerations in the context of the new Sustainable Development Goals agenda, highlighting sustainable population level strategies for improving access to safe drinking water in rapidly growing urban areas in poor countries.

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