Project in Fiji

Investigators:Trainee on USP Campus

Dr. Sarah Pene, Lecturer

University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji 

Masters and Doctoral candidates are welcome to apply for a placement at USP.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) in the Pacific 

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) coverage varies widely across, and within the small island developing states of the Pacific. Global tracking of SDG6 has shown that the Pacific as a whole is faring worse than any other region, with many areas, both rural and urban, experiencing a progressive decline in water and sanitation outcomes. Aging infrastructure, increasing urbanisation, climate change pressures, inadequate policy and legislation, and the environmental impacts of development are all challenges facing the WaSH sector. A multi-sectoral coordinated approach is necessary to address these challenges. 

Research Aims and Trainee Role:

The principal research tasks will be to develop and carry out a systematic literature review on one or more Pacific-centric WaSH related topics (see below).

  • Research questions to explore (or areas of focus trainees might choose from if there are multiple)
    • The human right to water and sanitation: an analysis of national legislation and policy in the Pacific
    • Community-based monitoring of water quality in Pacific Island countries – challenges and opportunities

Methods or skills trainees should be familiar with:

  • Systematic literature reviews (essential)
  • Policy and ligislation analysis (desirable)
  • Media analysis
  • Interviews, focus group discussions 

Suggested Literature: 

 Additional Information about the Institution & Host Site:  

Fiji is a small island developing state in the Pacific, with a population of approximately 900,000. The majority of its population live on the two largest islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Classified as a middle-income country, the economy is primarily based on tourism and agriculture.The city of Suva is the capital and largest urban area. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1970 Fiji has experienced numerous periods of political instability and four coup d’etats.  The current govermnent is a 55-seat unicameral parliament elected in 2022. English, Fijijan and Fiji Hindi are the official languages.    

A note about the host site:

Founded in 1968, The University of the South Pacific (USP) serves the regional needs of its 12 member countries. USP has approximately 13,000 students and is one of the leading tertiary education providers in the Pacific.