F. Ronald Denham, Chair Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group, October 2012

1. Searching for sustainable impact in Rotary WASH programs F. Ronald Denham, Chair Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group, October 2012

2. Background • Fewer than 30% of hand pumps still function after fiveyears (UNICEF study) • Many biosand filters no longer effective after six months (UNC study) • Uganda National Development Plan states functionality of rural water systems in western region is less than 50% • A large number of Rotary water projects described as “rehabilitation” implies failure of original investment Many humanitarian undertakings fail to deliver on their promise:

3. Background • “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. Many other anecdotes imply millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of hours wasted in non-sustainable WASH initiatives: sus.tain’abil’i.ty - noun continuity of service over a period of time; permanent beneficial change

4. Background Many possible causes of failure: • No sense of “community ownership” • Failure to build on, complement, local culture and values. • Community cannot afford on-going cost • Technology inappropriate • Construction quality compromised • Over-extraction, failure to re-charge water table • Inadequate training , lack of trained people • No systematic monitoring of process, and feedback

5. 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: • 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

6. Envisage the typical Rotary WASH project Inputs Activity Output 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

7. The focus is on the activity Inputs Activity Output Results • Dig well • Supply filter • Construct latrine • Install RWH • Drill borehole • Build dams

8. Hoping for these outputs or results: Inputs Activity Output Results • Safe, clean water • Functioning latrine • Saving the rainwater • Local access to water • Dam completed • Sanitation facility

9. But the community is expecting much more, a programhaving a significant impact on their life and livelihood: Socioeconomicgoals - vision Inputs Activity Outcomes Impacts Output Results Project Program

10. It implies a broader scope: Project Integrate with complementaryfunctions • Community development • Financial management • Behaviour change • Training, skill development • Capacity building • Commercial channels • Local authorities • NGOs • etc.

11. And an extended time horizon: Project • Vision for community • Feedback • Mid-course correction • Adapt to change • Integrated learnings • Life cycle costing • Valid business case • Appropriate metrics Extend time horizon Integrate with complementaryfunctions • Community development • Financial management • Behaviour change • Training, skill development • Capacity building • Commercial channels • Local authorities • NGOs • etc.

12. To develop an integrated, holistic program having real impact on the people and their community: Project • Vision for community • Feedback • Mid-course correction • Adapt to change • Integrated learnings • Life cycle costing • Valid business case • Appropriate metrics Extend time horizon Integrate with complementaryfunctions • Community development • Financial management • Behaviour change • Training, skill development • Capacity building • Commercial channels • Local authorities • NGOs • etc. Integrated Program!

13. A sustainable program implies a more rigorous start-up: Output Results Inputs Activity Outcomes Impacts • 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

14. And much more emphasis on “software”: Output Results Inputs Activity Outcomes Impacts • 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

15. The outputs are the means to deliver sustainability Output Results Inputs Activity Outcomes Impacts • 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

16. The focus of the program should be tangible outcomes over time: Output Results Inputs Activity Outcomes Impacts • 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

17. The community should have the capacity to sustain growth and improvement in life and livelihood: Output Results Inputs Activity Outcomes Impacts Entire community moves up the ladder of self-improvement and sustainability • A basis for other programs (education, health, etc.) • Reduction of poverty • Food security • Less conflict • Enhanced economic value

18. Programs are more than just “Big Projects” - there are fundamental differences: Programs • Outcomes, community impact • 5 – 10 years • Long-term commitment • Major international agencies, • Private sector investment • Professional, full-time, train and leverage volunteers • “Owns” the program • Empowered • Delegation to field to permit flexibility, responsiveness • Accountable for achieving outcomes Focus Duration Funding Management CommunityInvolvement Decision making & control

19. 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