The effects of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) on access to safe drinking water

Abstract

In this study, I use the DID approach to estimate the impact of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) on access to safe drinking water in Africa, I also identify other sources of improved water access with the data of World Bank for the period 1990–2012. The results show that the impact of HIPC on access to drinking water is positive, especially in rural area. For instance, because of HPIC, the rate of access to improved drinking water increased by 4.877% in rural area. However, this initiative does not affect access to improved water in urban area. I also observe that the probability to increase access to safe water increases with enrollment in primary school; forest area; natural resources, control of corruption and decreases with rural population and the proportion young population. In this perspective, African countries should promote governance, train population on the conservation of drinking water, protect environment, and sustain economic growth.

Keywords:

• Safe drinking water
• Africa
• environment
• HIPC

Notes

1. The countries identified as potentially eligible for HIPC initiative assistance, have not yet reached their decision points.