Institutional Determinants of Performance of Drinking Water Community Organization in Rural Areas of Costa Rica: A Comparative Studies Analysis

Abstract

"This paper presents an institutional analysis of the underlying factors affecting the performance of drinking water community organizations in rural areas of Costa Rica. These organizations provide water to more than 25% of total population in the country; however, there is a high disparity in their performance. This research tries to understand how a complex configuration of physical characteristics of watersheds and infrastructure, governance system and socio-economic attributes of user effects different dimensions of performance in rural communities. Using a qualitative approach and matching techniques to ensure comparability, the paper analyzes four communities in-depth to understand what factors and casual mechanisms influence financial and physical performance as well as user satisfaction. The main results highlight the relevance of a demand-driven approach coupled with downward accountability; effective rules for tariff collection and infrastructure maintenance and appropriate support from the government as the main conditions that promote higher levels of performance."