© kennedy gastorn and wanyama masinde, ���7 | doi ��.��63/97890043��073_0�8 This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the CC-BY-NC License.

Access to safe drinking water has been recognized as a basic human right globally by various international bodies and commissions. Sub‐Saharan Africa, in particular, has proven to have insufficient water access in the urban areas because population growth and rapid urbanization are overtaking the already inadequate infrastructure, and disparities in potable water availability are widespread. An enabling policy environment coupled with decentralization has been highlighted to positively affect water service delivery. The study examined the policy and institutional frameworks that exist for urban water supply in Malawi and their interactions with each other as well as with the water utility, Lilongwe Water Board. Data were collected through key informant interviews with officials from institutions involved in urban water supply and through literature review. Content analysis coupled with thematic analysis was used to analyze the data for key emerging themes. It was found that there is poor coordination between the board and the Lilongwe City Council, which is exacerbated by the existing conflicting policies on institutional roles and jurisdictions in urban water supply. Low participation in joint activities and the long bureaucratic process affect Lilongwe Water Boards' efforts of service delivery. There is a need for both a separate water supply policy and a regulatory body for water service delivery to ensure good water supply. Recommendations for future work on the setup of the water utility itself and the impact on urban water supply were also made.

© wanyama masinde and christopher otieno omolo, ���7 | doi ��.��63/97890043��073_00� This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the CC-BY-NC License.

Traders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the banana market is not fully developed. This demands targeted studies to assess their performance. This study aims at examining banana traders' intensity of participation in the markets and constraining factors. A survey was conducted in 2013 in four counties. One hundred and ninety traders were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected on personal, market parameters, and institutional factors. Descriptive statistics and Tobit model were utilized in the analysis. The results showed that traders received market information from multiple sources probable to check on the reliability and accuracy. The results of the Tobit regression showed that the age and sex of traders distance to markets, type of banana and information sources significantly influence the volume of banana fruits handled by traders. Therefore based on the study findings, some of the suggested policy recommendations include; the need to foster development of banana infrastructures and also efforts should be geared towards improving market information sources among traders.

© caroline kago and wanyama masinde, ���7 | doi ��.��63/97890043��073_0�� This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the CC-BY-NC License.