Examining the complex interpersonal relationships surrounding water usage and scarcity

In the heart of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) at MIT, Andrea Beck, a 2018-19 J-WAFS Fellow for Water Solutions, is delving deep into the intricacies of Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs). Her research focuses on understanding the dynamics of these collaborations, particularly comparing learning dynamics between north-south and south-south WOPs.

WOPs are unique collaborations between water utility employees from different countries, aiming to improve public water delivery and sanitation services. These partnerships have gained traction across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with over 200 partnerships formed to date, serving as an alternative to public-private partnerships, which were conceived by a United Nations advisory board in 2006.

Beck's qualitative research into partnership dynamics provides a necessary perspective on the effectiveness of WOPs. Her work compares multiple partnerships, a departure from most studies that focus on one partnership in detail. This comprehensive approach could lead to valuable insights for improving current WOPs and creating robust solutions for issues of water access and social equity.

Beck's research methodology involves following and observing utility partners, engaging in conversations with them while they work. This approach allows her to gain a deep understanding of the partnerships' inner workings.

In 2018, MIT's MISTI-Netherlands program sponsored Beck's participation in a short course on partnerships for water supply and sanitation in the Netherlands. This experience provided her with valuable insights into the Dutch approach to WOPs.

Beck's research focuses on the development of WOPs in global policy circles, differences between WOPs and public-private partnerships, and conditions for successful partnerships. In the future, she plans to study high-performing water utilities in Morocco, Burkina Faso, and Swaziland.

Andrea Beck's interest in water issues and African culture began long before she came to MIT. Her volunteering at a cultural center in rural Malawi sparked her curiosity about water-related issues in Africa.

Beck's analysis could pinpoint ways to improve current WOPs and create robust solutions for issues of water access and social equity. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and water becomes scarcer, integrating multiple perspectives into water-related issues is crucial.

Recently, Beck received an award from the Water Resource Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers that will support a research trip to Rabat, Morocco. She also plans to conduct additional interviews in the Netherlands to gather more data on Dutch representatives involved in water utility partnerships in Africa.

Beck's work at MIT is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex global issues. Her research is funded by J-WAFS, DUSP, MISTI-Netherlands, the Center for International Studies, and MISTI-Africa.