Lessons from Resource Centre Network Nepal

Resource Centre Network Nepal (RCNN), a loose network of six national and international NGOs, was established in 2003 to facilitate knowledge sharing through information collection and dissemination and to promote and improve water supply and sanitation services in Nepal. RCNN has undertaken various activities since its inception and produced a range of information products. The network members agreed that they would take turns hosting the Network Secretariat. In 2007, IDS Nepal took over the role of Network Secretariat from NEWAH. Presently, efforts are being made to widen the membership base to include other organizations, and a closer relation with the government is being reviewed.

RCNN has been working to achieve the following objectives:

• Strengthen the knowledge management capacity of RCNN members to provide quality information products and services to district and community level users.
• Encourage national and district level Resource Centres (RCs) to develop into recognized and viable organizations.
• Mobilize resources for continued Resource Centre networking and capacity building to accelerate increased sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation through information and knowledge sharing.

Through this short case study on the development of an information product (Information leaflet and poster on tube well spare parts) insight is given into the process of setting up a successful product. The leaflet preparation work was undertaken by NEWAH with inputs from the other member organizations and based on the information needs assessment. This identified the lack of good quality spare parts as a key problem, especially in Nepal's Tarai (lower flatlands). The objective was to introduce linkages between the users and the local suppliers in specific districts in Eastern Nepal. The information leaflet and poster present practical information including details of nearby suppliers of tube well spare parts.

One of the important lessons from the process of leaflet and poster development was that pre-testing is essential to help produce relevant products for the target groups, particularly at community level. The products in local language with images/ pictures in colour are evaluated positively by local target groups. Another finding was that people do not give priority to information and feel that there are vested interests behind seeking information. For this reason just sending questionnaires to the local level is not sufficient. Several follow up visits are necessary to collect responses.

To produce a joint product, mutual commitment, common understanding among key organisations and professional support are needed. Producing a high quality joint product adds value to the RCNN purpose, gives meaningful output and increases team spirit, trust and ownership of the Network. A lead person/ organisation is required for facilitating the process and for regular follow up to bring together collective inputs.

Even though the process took time to be conceptually clear about the concept of Resource Centre (RC) Development, the functioning of the Network, and the individual roles, concerted efforts of the members have created a lot of enthusiasm. As a result of these efforts, the RC concept is shared and accepted by all members. Effective information and knowledge sharing are prioritised within all organizations, RCNN and increasingly in the sector. It is well understood that no one single institution can create great impact alone. Networking and collaborative efforts are required for sustained effects.