In most developing countries wastewater treatment systems have very low coverage or function poorly, resulting in large-scale water pollution and the use of poor-quality water for crop irrigation, especially in the vicinity of urban centres. This can pose significant risks to public health, particularly where crops are eaten raw.

In many cities of developing countries untreated wastewater and polluted water are used for agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas. Though such practices are a threat to the health of users and consumers, they do provide important livelihoods benefits and perishable food to cities. This paper through a cross country analysis of 53 cities in the developing world, provides an understanding of the factors that drive wastewater use.