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

2.  Fewer than 30% of hand pumps still function after five years (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 Background Many humanitarian undertakings fail to deliver on their promise:

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

4. 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 Background

5. 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 Background

6. Envisage the typical Rotary WASH project ActivityInputs 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 Output Results

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

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

9. But the community is expecting much more, a program having a significant impact on their life and livelihood: Socio economic goals - vision InputsActivityOutcomesImpacts Project Program Output Results

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

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 Community development Financial management Behaviour change Training, skill development Capacity building Commercial channels Local authorities NGOs etc. Extend time horizon Integrate with complementary functions

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 Community development Financial management Behaviour change Training, skill development Capacity building Commercial channels Local authorities NGOs etc. Integrated Program! Extend time horizon Integrate with complementary functions

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

14. And much more emphasis on “software”: Activity Outcomes ImpactsInputs 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 Output Results

15. The outputs are the means to deliver sustainability Activity Outcomes ImpactsInputs 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 Output Results

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

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

18. Programs are more than just “Big Projects” - there are fundamental differences:  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 Programs Focus Management Duration Funding Community Involvement Decision making & control

19.  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. Conclusions Wasrag is here to support that mission