Communication, Water, and Sanitation in Latin America : The Contribution of Communication for Development in Water Resource Management and Service Implementation Projects

This report summarizes the results of a study on the role played by Communication for Development (CID) in water and sanitation projects and programs in Latin America based on a review of 39 case studies and on documented experiences in this field. The specific objectives were as follows: 1) distil the lessons learned and identify factors of success, limiting factors and weaknesses; and 2) provide data and evidence of the added value and relevance of communication for development in the water and sanitation sector. The interest in the role played by CID in the water and sanitation sector is increasingly entwined with the processes of reform, above all with regard to stimulating public debate and consultations with the different groups of actors, as well as strengthening community participation processes in order to achieve behavior changes aimed at improving the quality of life of the people and guaranteeing the sustainability of the initiatives. Although significant steps have been taken in Latin America to ensure the participation and inclusion of civil society in the decision-making processes in the sector, it is still necessary to explore the strategic role played by communication in improving governance through the promotion and facilitation of dialog between governments and citizens and the building of relations based on transparency, trust, and credibility