Transcript Slide 1

Searching for sustainable impact
in Rotary WASH
programs
F. Ronald Denham, Chair
Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group,
October 2012
Background
Many humanitarian undertakings fail to deliver on their
promise:
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Fewer than 30% of hand pumps still function after five
years (UNICEF study)
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Many biosand filters no longer effective after six months (UNC study)
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Uganda National Development Plan states functionality of rural water
systems in western region is less than 50%
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A large number of Rotary water projects described as “rehabilitation”
implies failure of original investment
Background
Many other anecdotes imply millions of dollars and hundreds of
thousands of hours wasted in non-sustainable WASH initiatives:
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“Of 2000 wells drilled in this country during the past five years, fewer
than 1000 still operate.” (Director of Water, Government of Ghana)
Major water kiosk initiative in Abidjan a failure – none of the kiosks still
function
Piped water systems destroyed by theft of valves, connectors, etc.
sus.tain’abil’i.ty - noun
continuity of service over a period of
time; permanent beneficial change
Background
Many possible causes of failure:
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No sense of “community ownership”
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Failure to build on, complement, local culture and values.
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Community cannot afford on-going cost
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Technology inappropriate
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Construction quality compromised
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Over-extraction, failure to re-charge water table
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Inadequate training , lack of trained people
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No systematic monitoring of process, and feedback
Background
Many of these causes stem from a limited vision of the project as an end
in itself, not as an integral part of a broader, holistic program:
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Provide a water well for community in El Salvador
Provide water tanks for 160 houses in Brazil
Provide five boreholes to community in Burkina Faso
Provide a pipeline for village in Kenya
Provide reinforced concrete cistern
Envisage the typical Rotary WASH project
Output
Inputs
Activity
Results
• International partner
R.C. decides to do a
WASH project
• Contacts Host club
• Request Matching
Grant
• Agreement with local
NGO/CBO
• Invite local
community input
The focus is on the activity
Output
Inputs
Activity
Results
• Dig well
• Supply filter
• Construct latrine
• Install RWH
• Drill borehole
• Build dams
Hoping for these outputs or results:
Output
Inputs
Activity
Results
• Safe, clean water
• Functioning
latrine
• Saving the
rainwater
• Local access to
water
• Dam completed
• Sanitation facility
But the community is expecting much more, a program
having a significant impact on their life and livelihood:
Output
Inputs
Activity
Outcomes
Results
Project
Program
Impacts
Socio
economic
goals - vision
It implies a broader scope:
Project
Integrate with complementary
functions
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Community development
Financial management
Behaviour change
Training, skill development
Capacity building
Commercial channels
Local authorities
NGOs
etc.
And an extended time horizon:
Project
Extend time horizon
Integrate with complementary
functions
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Community development
Financial management
Behaviour change
Training, skill development
Capacity building
Commercial channels
Local authorities
NGOs
etc.
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Vision for community
Feedback
Mid-course correction
Adapt to change
Integrated learnings
Life cycle costing
Valid business case
Appropriate metrics
To develop an integrated, holistic program having real
impact on the people and their community:
Project
Extend time horizon
Integrate with complementary
functions
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Community development
Financial management
Behaviour change
Training, skill development
Capacity building
Commercial channels
Local authorities
NGOs
etc.
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Vision for community
Feedback
Mid-course correction
Adapt to change
Integrated learnings
Life cycle costing
Valid business case
Appropriate metrics
Integrated Program!
A sustainable program implies a more rigorous start-up:
Output
Inputs
Activity
Outcomes
Results
• The community
• Baseline data
• Collaborators/partners:
- Host & International RCs
- TRF
- NGOs
- Local authority
- Outside funders
• Skills/know-how
- Technology
- Facilitation
• Regulations, policies
• Environmental Issues
• Gender issues
Impacts
And much more emphasis on “software”:
Output
Inputs
Activity
Outcomes
Results
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Create teams
Build capacity
Needs assessment
Identify appropriate technologies
Life-cycle costing/affordability
Design/plan project
Build, construct, implement
Identify business opportunities
Design monitoring systems
Impacts
The outputs are the means to deliver sustainability
Output
Inputs
Activity
Outcomes
Results
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Functioning system
Appropriate tariff structure
Management structure & processes
Valid quality & performance measures
Adequate flow of funds
WASH people trained, empowered and
accept responsibility
• Viable business enterprise
Impacts
The focus of the program should be tangible outcomes
over time:
Output
Inputs
Activity
Outcomes
Impacts
Results
• Community of people capable of
making change for the better
• Women create economic value
• Better attendance at schools
especially girls
• Business and commercial activity
• Better health, less disease
• Feedback on performance
• Advocacy for change
The community should have the capacity to sustain
growth and improvement in life and livelihood:
Output
Inputs
Activity
Outcomes
Impacts
Results
Entire community moves
up the ladder of selfimprovement and
sustainability
• A basis for other programs
(education, health, etc.)
• Reduction of poverty
• Food security
• Less conflict
• Enhanced economic value
Programs are more than just “Big Projects” - there are
fundamental differences:
Programs
Focus
 Outcomes, community impact
Duration
 5 – 10 years
 Long-term commitment
Funding
 Major international agencies,
 Private sector investment
Management
Community
Involvement
Decision
making &
control
 Professional, full-time, train and
leverage volunteers
 “Owns” the program
 Empowered
 Delegation to field to permit
flexibility, responsiveness
 Accountable for achieving
outcomes
Conclusions
 We will soon eradicate Polio.
 The world sees Rotary as a leading humanitarian organization.
 “What’s next?”.
 Small projects will never sustain Rotary’s image.
 Significant, global programs in the Areas of Focus will build on that
image and strengthen the Rotary brand.
 “Think Programs” should become our new mantra.
Wasrag is here to support that mission