Exploring the socioeconomic determinants of water security in developing regions

Abstract The objectives of this study are two fold: first, to develop a composite water security metric assess at national scale, and second, explore the determinants same scale in three developing regions – Africa, Asia-Pacific Latin America Caribbean (LAC). index (WSI) was developed using biophysical (water availability, climate risk ecosystem vitality) socioeconomic accessibility integrated resources management) variables. Five independent variables (governance, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, percentage urban population, official development assistance for sanitation services (ODA-WSS) female primary school completion rate) were used security. Results show that >90% countries Africa water-insecure, whereas most LAC water-secure except Haiti, Guatemala Nicaragua. Statistical analyses GDP rate governance key This provides empirical evidence on link between further strong correlation ODA-WSS region with higher capita than low capita. suggests increasing may enhance regions.