Thesis structure and chapter outlines

This thesis is structured so as to allow for differing conceptualisations of water governance to be exposed and analysed. The structure and outline in this thesis is summarised in Table 1.2. The thesis comprises four parts. Part One comprises an introductory chapter and a chapter outlining the methodological approach and methods used in conducting this research. In Part Two, I consider the shifts in development and water governance discourse in order to determine how water governance and an integrated approach to water resources have come to the fore in overcoming water deficiencies for urban residents. In Part Three, I begin to theorise how hybrid governance systems emerge and what constitutes hybridity. This theoretical analysis is carried out in the context of the Tagbilaran City and focuses on the implementation of policy as well as the delivery of water by waterworks utilities. In Part Four, I juxtapose household perceptions of urban water governance and related concepts derived from ethnographic material obtained in Tagbilaran with official discourse and practice to further ground the theoretical analysis. Finally, the findings are synthesised and the contributions made by this research are discussed. I then identify lessons for other cities facing the challenge of ensuring secure water supplies under increasing demand.

Chapter

Part One: Introduction and methodology 1

Introduction

Introduction to research topic and questions that the research seeks to address.

2

Methodology and Methods

Explanation of the methodological approach used in the research and the qualitative methods used.

Part Two: Shifts in development and water governance discourse 3

Water Governance and Development for Urban Areas

Urban water governance in developing countries has been influenced by international development discourse. Current strategies to manage water emphasise an integrated approach encompassing environmental, social and economic domains. At the same time, neoliberal discourse exerts a powerful influence over how urban water is conceptualised and managed and who should be responsible for its provision.

Hence:

4

The Hydrological and Physical Environment of Tagbilaran

In overcoming urban water problems, it is important to determine the contextual environmental and hydrological characteristics along with management approaches adopted.

Moreover:

5 The Process and Consequences of Urban

Growth in Tagbilaran

The socio-economic characteristics of the urban areas are also important since water consumption patterns and water availability are affected by economic development, notably urbanisation.

Which leads me to argue:

Part Three: Theorising hybridity 6

Hybridity and Water Governance in a Development

Context

Water governance is conceptualised differently at different scales and as discourses become localised, hybrid forms emerge. Mapping development strategies and water governance structures in the Philippines exposes the ways in which discourses are articulated.

Furthermore:

7

Municipal Water Supply in Tagbilaran

As local and non-local narratives of development intersect, hybrid systems of water governance evolve in order to regulate the delivery of water services comprising public-private, global-local and other ‘mixed’ institutions. Improving the efficacy of urban water governance requires acknowledging this emerging hybrid system.

For this reason:

Part Four: Implications and conclusion 8

Local Perspectives about Hybrid Water Supply, Access

and Security

Ethnographic material from Tagbilaran is brought to light to enable local conceptualisations of urban water governance and development to be considered against formal policy.

Which in turn enables:

9

Perspectives on Hybrid Urban Water Governance Institutions

The exposure of the multiple conceptualisations and understandings of water governance that are present in urban areas, but which are not adequately accounted for in prescriptive policy statements.

In conclusion:

10

Lessons from Tagbilaran on Hybridity and Water

Governance

The juxtaposition of local perceptions and knowledge concerning water governance with formal bureaucratic institutions highlight how

knowledge deficiencies and uncertainties undermine attempts to meet urban water needs.

Table 1.2: Thesis structure and chapter outline

In Chapter 1, I have stated my main argument and aims in conducting this research. I have also stated my research questions, and introduced key concepts underpinning my research; in particular, water governance, scale and institutions. I have provided the context for this

research, namely, hybrid water governance in small cities in developing countries, and provided a preliminary introduction to the case study.

In Chapter 2, I outline the methodological approach taken and methods used to complete this research. In this chapter, I discuss my role as researcher by considering my positionality and subjectivity in conducting this research, as well as practical matters such as language and research assistance, and ethical considerations guiding my approach to the research and the production of this thesis. I also provide an account of how households were sampled and methods of analysis used for empirical material obtained from households in Tagbilaran and Corella.

In Chapter 3, I review development and water governance literature in order to examine the shifts in discourses and the implications this has had on approaches to water resources allocated and management. I focus on neoliberal discourse in development and water governance discourses emanating from supra-national governance institutions and highlight the implications for urban water services by concentrating on integrated water resource management as the predominant approach to managing and governing water resources, and the changing role of the state and private sector in the provision of urban water services.

In Chapter 4, I outline the contextual factors in the case study location which serve to mediate development and water governance discourses. I begin this chapter by focusing on the hydrological and physical environment in Tagbilaran City, the Philippines. In so doing, I discuss the significance of the karst environment within which Tagbilaran is located and identify some of the factors affecting groundwater in Tagbilaran including threats to water quality and quantity such as saltwater intrusion, contamination because of improper solid waste disposal and inadequate sewerage and sanitation, and urban expansion into recharge areas. I also consider the extent to which integrated water resources management has been implemented in Tagbilaran specifically and the Philippines more generally.

In Chapter 5, I continue to outline the contextual factors in Tagbilaran by considering the process of urban growth and the implications this has for water. I identify the key drivers of urban growth in Tagbilaran and connect these back to regional and national processes. I briefly describe the socio-economic environment of the city in order to show how urban growth and human activity implicate water resources. In particular, I focus on the externalities of urban growth and urbanisation and discuss further the threats to groundwater identified in Chapter 4; namely, saltwater intrusion, contamination because of improper solid waste disposal and inadequate sewerage and sanitation, and urban expansion into recharge areas.

In Chapter 6, I theorise hybridity and present a conceptualisation of hybrid governance for Tagbilaran. To do this, I map the ways in which global discourses have been mediated and articulated in policy and practice at the national, provincial and city levels. I then map the formal water governance institutions in the Philippines, in particular legislation and policy,

existing to regulate water resources and urban water services. By contextualising these elements in Tagbilaran and taking into account the specificities of place as well as local narratives of development, I offer a conceptual model for thinking about hybrid water governance which has arisen as a consequence of global-local influences, public-private participation in water services, and inter-jurisdictional water sharing. In this chapter I introduce information about the neighbouring municipality of Corella and establish the ways in which Corella is implicated in urban growth in Tagbilaran.

In Chapter 7, I continue the exploration into hybridity by providing a detailed account of the waterworks network present in Tagbilaran and, by implication, Corella. I demonstrate how the waterworks network is itself a hybrid network, which is embedded in a hybrid system of governance. I describe the events which have led to the operation of two waterworks utilities in the city, the inter-jurisdictional water sharing arrangement, and private sector participation. The waterworks network is shown to be highly complex and to present challenges to development planners and decision-makers in terms of ensuring equitable access, and to be controversial and contested by interest groups present in the city.

In Chapter 8, I present ethnographic material from households in Tagbilaran and Corella in order to uncover household perspectives and knowledge concerning urban water supply and services which is later juxtaposed with formal notions of urban water governance. This first involves establishing household water consumption patterns and the factors influencing household consumption behaviour. I bring to light household perceptions concerning changes in waterworks services in Tagbilaran and implications for households before showcasing household knowledge concerning threats to water access and supply and strategies to ensure water security.

In Chapter 9, I continue to explore household knowledge and perceptions about water governance by considering the institutional mechanisms present in Tagbilaran regulating water governance. I present household conceptualisations of and knowledge about property, rights and ownership related to water and show how these are grounded in everyday practice and experience. I discuss the significance of household perspectives and discuss the implications of knowledge gaps and deficiencies for formulating and implementing effective water policy.

Finally, in Chapter 10, I synthesise the findings presented throughout this thesis and evaluate these in light of the research questions stated in Chapter 1 and the literature used to construct a framework for analysis. I consider the significance of the methodological approach taken in this study and address each of the research questions before suggesting possible areas of future research.