Influence of socio-cultural norms and community perceptions on the sustainability of rural water supply and sanitation: a case study in Tamil Nadu, India

The purpose was to examine the efficiency and sustainability of village water supply and environmental sanitation facilities and how they are influenced by socio-cultural norms and community perceptions. The methods were mainly qualitative with a participatory, community-based and gender-sensitive approach. The research found that: government water supply and sanitation initiatives are supply-driven; socio-cultural norms and gendered perceptions influence community and household management of water supply and sanitation; and the village water supply and sanitation facilities are unsustainable.
The conclusions were that: there is a gap between policy and practice; limited resources have been invested in sanitation; consultation between governments and the community is limited; social inequalities increase the complexity of establishing sustainable water supply and sanitation; perceptions affect water supply and sanitation management; villagers rely on government to provide and maintain public facilities; and mismanagement of resources has lead to water scarcity. Finally, recommendations for research, policy and action are offered. (Author's abstract)