Hydraulic policy and rural socio-economic development: Evaluation of the impact of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) on the reduction of social inequalities in the groundnut basin[Politique hydraulique et développement socio-économique rural : Evaluation de l'impact des Partenariats Public-Privé (PPP) sur la réduction des inégalités sociales dans le bassin arachidier]

In Senegal, as in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, funding constraints limit water supply, particularly in rural areas. Despite government reforms to improve access to water, major challenges remain, particularly in the groundnut basin, where poor management and climatic variations exacerbate the scarcity of water and the vulnerability of populations. In 2014, the government entrusted the management of drinking water services to the private sector through the Délégation de Services Publics (DSP), thereby promoting investment and the sustainability of water infrastructure. This study examines the impact of private sector involvement in rural water management and its role in the socio-economic development of the groundnut basin. Analysis of hydraulic data, socio-economic surveys and interviews reveals increased professionalisation and a strengthening of the drinking water supply network. This has helped to diversify sources of income and reduce socio-spatial inequalities. However, faced with tariffs that are often considered high, low-income households are developing coping strategies to meet their water needs.