Themes
IRC and partners have identified a number of areas where they believe the existing information is insufficient and that there is a need to generate new knowledge. This is done through collaborative work such as literature reviews, advocacy meetings, publications and information sharing workshops.
Learning for Change
The complexity of the WASH sector calls for trial and error, systematic joint reflection and adaptation. A learning and adaptive sector has mechanisms and platforms throughout the sector to enable stakeholders to learn together. Continuous learning and the capacity of sector stakeholders to adjust (i.e., “adaptive capacity”) are critical elements of sustainable WASH services at scale.
Over the years, IRC has supported sector stakeholders to learn together and advocated for a learning and adaptive sector. Under the theme ‘learning for change’ IRC examines and consolidates experience and lessons learned on how multi-stakeholder learning can contribute to equitable and sustainable WASH service delivery.
Learning for Change has emerged from IRC’s work on a range of concepts and approaches to support learning, innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration in the WASH sector. We draw upon work on ‘Learning Alliances’ and ‘Resource Centre Development’ to support capacity development and knowledge management towards a process of ‘Sector Learning’ .
The focus on decentralized learning (e.g. at district and sub-county levels) has been strong in Uganda since 2007 and is documented here.
Aid Effectiveness
Aid effectiveness is about the effectiveness of development aid in achieving economic and social development. It aims to improve the quality of aid and its impact on development. IRC is contributing to this through membership of Sanitation and Water for All, supporting the African Working Group of the European Water Initiative and providing support in analyses and syntheses to UN-Water GLAAS report. One of the ultimate aims of IRC is to ensure more effective use of all available resources in the sector towards universal and sustainable WASH services in accordance with national norms and standards.
Sanitation
Sanitation refers to issues around human excreta: disposal, collection, treatment, transfer and re-use in whatever form. Safe sanitation refers to the secure and effective management of human excreta, including treatment and re-use, and widespread usage of safe toilets. On this page you will find news updates on sanitation, as well as information on:
- Sanitation for the Urban Poor: IRC Symposium 2008
- Learning and Sharing Workshops
- IRC Track Record on Sanitation
- Projects
- Publications
- Hygiene Promotion
The promotion of better hygiene, alone, or in combination with better water supply and/or sanitation, can have a major impact on reducing disease prevalence and public and private health costs.
- WASH in Schools
These IRC thematic pages deal with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools, until recently called SSHE: school sanitation and hygiene education. This information is related to activities IRC is involved in. More information on global WASH in Schools activities can be found on the WASH in Schools web site.
- Menstrual Management
Menstrual hygiene management is an important subject which is finally addressed more and more. In this folder IRC work on this topic is gathered.
Local Governance
Local governance for improved WASH services requires transformation at local level with the active support of institutions and policy makers at regional / provincial and national level. This includes the establishment of an enabling and supportive framework with resources and responsibilities devolved to local government so that it has the authority and the capacity to provide sustainable services. With stakeholder participation at local level and support from the broader water and sanitation sector, decentralised WASH services stand a fighting chance of success.
Transparency and Accountability
IRC has a programme that supports improved transparency and accountability to reduce sector corruption through activities including advocacy, action research, dissemination of publications, events and training and advice.
IRC is also a founder member of the Water Integrity Network.
Innovative communication
Effective information exchange and two-way communication at all levels is essential for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene.
Local IWRM
Under this theme, we look at the interface between Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services delivery and integrated water resources management (IWRM), particularly at the local level. Two entry points are taken: 1) ensuring access of the poor to an equitable share of water resources at catchment level, and 2) the promotion of water and sanitation for multiple uses at household level, to support people's livelihoods.
