Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Africa water, Sanitation Mar- Apr 2015 Vol.10 No.2 | Page 23

Building Water and Sanitation Business Models for the Poor

Water
Capacity building is a key component for developing a base of credible
local private providers in the developing world. In undeveloped
markets, know-how is usually vested in the public sector because of its
traditional role in providing services. WSP capacity building programs
help build the businesses of water and sanitation entrepreneurs,
tackling issues such as technical and financial management, marketing
and investment planning.

Sanitation
Unlike water supply, demand for sanitation is relatively low, one reason for the low supply of sanitation goods and
services. While public programs, such as Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), can generate demand, sustained
behavior change requires affordable sanitation options that address consumer demands, particularly among the poor.
WSP works by integrating consumer demand and supply, as well as providing financing options for purchases.
Business development helps small entrepreneurs develop products and services that target the price points of lowerincome customers—including innovating with cheaper technology, reducing supply chain complexity and providing
consumer finance. Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Peru are testing design innovations using local materials
and adding different features to suit customer needs and budgets.