An Empirical Analysis of State and Private-Sector Provision of Water Services in Africa

Authors: Kirkpatrick, Colin; Parker, David; Zhang, Yin-Fang

Source: World Bank Economic Review, Volume 20, Number 1, 2006 , pp. 143-163(21)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $42.29 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Under pressure from donor agencies and international financial institutions such as the World Bank, some developing countries have experimented with the privatization of water services. This article reviews the econometric evidence on the effects of water privatization in developing economies and presents new results using statistical data envelopment analysis and stochastic cost frontier techniques and data from Africa. The analysis fails to show evidence of better performance by private utilities than by state-owned utilities. Among the reasons why water privatization could prove problematic in lower-income economies are the technology of water provision and the nature of the product, transaction costs, and regulatory weaknesses.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/wber/lhj001

Publication date: 2006-01-01

More about this publication?

The World Bank Economic Review is one of the most widely read scholarly economic journals in the world. It is the only journal of its kind that specializes in quantitative development policy analysis. Subject to strict refereeing, articles examine policy choices and therefore emphasize policy relevance rather than theory or methodology. Readers include economists and other social scientists in government, business, international agencies, universities, and research institutions. The WBER seeks to provide the most current and best research in the field of economic development.

If you are a World Bank e-library subscriber, you can access this title here.