From Infrastructure to Behavior: Hybrid Approaches for Sustainable WASH Systems in Rapidly Urbanizing Regions
Keywords:
WASH systems, urbanization, hybrid approaches, behavior change, infrastructure, sustainabilityAbstract
Rapid urbanization across the Global South places significant strain on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems. Traditional infrastructure-centric approaches often fail to adapt to informal settlements and dynamic urban sprawl. This paper explores hybrid models that integrate both physical infrastructure development and behavior change strategies for more sustainable WASH outcomes. Drawing on literature, it presents an interdisciplinary review of current limitations, behavioral insights, and systemic design thinking. A conceptual framework is proposed to how behavioral interventions can be integrated with decentralized and adaptive infrastructure to build resilience in urban WASH systems. The paper concludes with implications for policy, participatory governance, and future research.
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