Toolbox

Governance

Methods used

Mind mapping

Comparative case study analysis

Interviews

Research focus & objectives

The research focus of this project is Water governance and sub-sector reforms (comparing large scale irrigation and urban water supply in India and Indonesia) with the objective of understanding how market-based institutions and sector reforms shape accountability relations.

Methods applied

Mind mapping

Comparative case study analysis

Interviews

Small N-qualitative comparative analysis of four case studies across two countries and two sectors: Levi-Faur (2006) suggests a cross-sectoral and cross-national analysis to account for the historically determined and embedded political processes of nation-states (national policy approach), as well as the sector-specific characteristics (policy sector approach) (Levi-Faur, 2006, A question of size? A heuristics for stepwise comparative research design: link)
Case studies
Interviews
Participatory mapping of accountability relations
Field observations

Analytical tools & literature

A framework of ‘good governance’ - transparency, accountability, public participation and anti-corruption action - is iteratively applied across the four case studies to identify the elements, mechanisms and institutions which support integrity in the water support (link)
The lived realities of governance mechanisms are interpreted in the context of the broader political settlement and accountability relations that shape governance outcomes (Khan, 2004, State failure in developing countries and institutional reform strategies in Toward propoor policies: aid, institutions, and globalization, 165-96)

Recommended resources

Podcast on anti-corruption practice and research [link]
Podcast on water issues in Indonesia [link]

Reflections and recommendations by the researcher

There tends to be a deceptive consensus around governance challenges in the global south. These are normalised through depoliticised techno-moral policy framings. However, this approach belies a complex navigation of power, perceptions and everyday realities of a wide range of differently situated actors. Critical research in this domain necessarily requires sensitivity, self-reflexivity and working with contradictions.

It is also often difficult to access information - especially beyond a very generalised official narrative. It is important to highlight the absence or barriers to information - as well as interpret the available information contextually

Researcher

Preeta Dhar

Preeta is a doctoral candidate at SOAS University of London. She has worked on issues of water and environmental rights as a lawyer and researcher in India.