Research Proposal Presentation

Scott Ingram Qualitative Research Methodology Professor Roberson January 9, 2009

The role of social and cultural factors in water and sanitation development in Vietnam
Purpose of the Study Comparing the usage of cultural values and social networks in a local CSO project and an international donor project Recommendation of transferable practices to increase success for future projects

Definitions of Keywords
Cultural Social Local CSO Actors

Country Background
Poverty 22% in 2005 HDI 114 out of 179 By 2010 - Clean water to 75% of rural people
(Vietnam PRSP 2006-2010)

Percentage of Households with access to safe water

(Vietnam Environment Monitor 2003, World Bank)

Problem Background
Dong Nai River Basin Pollutants (Hoang, Hanh Duc 2008) Organic Pollutants 30x higher than VEPA standards Coliforms Heavy Metals 3-168x higher 10-12x higher Sources of Water Pollution in Vietnam

(Vietnam Agenda 21, Ministry of Planning and Investment, 2008)

Culture in Development

Economic

->

Social

CSOs in Vietnam Political aspects

Perspective
Actor-oriented approach
Actors Practices Networks Interfaces Patterns

Methods
Qualitative Research Semi-structured interviews Participant-observation
Dong Nai River Basin Mekong Water Environment Management Projects Investigation of two cases: community CSO project international donor organized project