Nexus between safe drinking water, good sanitation and sustainable development in developing countries: A system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach

Abstract

Efforts to achieve sustainable development in developing countries often go hand in hand with access to safe drinking water and good sanitation. The two facilities are essential components of most sustainable development goals leading to better health outcomes, enhanced livelihoods, and overall development. This study investigates the nexus between safe drinking water, good sanitation, and sustainable development in developing countries. System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique is used to estimate the relationship. The results shows that access to safe drinking water is positively related to sustainable development. Furthermore, the elasticity of access to good sanitation is statistically significant and positive. Lastly, CO2 emissions and population were found to be important determinants of access to safe drinking water and good sanitation. The findings of this study have serious implication on the realization of achieving sustainable development goals by 2030. The study recommends governments of various developing countries prioritize policies, programs and projects that emphasize the transformative potential of reliable and equitable access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. This can be achieved through fully utilizing the market’s potentials in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), thereby safeguarding public health and well-being of the populace.