Sector Learning

The WASH sector faces immense challenges. We need to learn, and avoid repeating the same mistakes (even though we recognise mistakes have their value). Learning is what allows us to connect knowledge and create action together. Learning starts with committed individuals. But to ensure that learning leads to better sector performance, learning, reflective monitoring and adaptive management must be become regular practice in the WASH sector.

IRC and partners support sector professionals at national and decentralised levels to systematically reflect and learn together for sustainable and equitable WASH service delivery.

Share your ideas about a learning and adaptive sector and join the conversation on the weblog: http://learningforchange.wordpress.com/

What does 'sector learning' mean?

Learning and knowledge management are important elements of a mature sector, which should not rely on ad hoc support, but become an integral part of sector capacity. 'Sector learning' is about working across institutional and professional boundaries. A learning sector develops as a result of a commitment towards ongoing improvement and through range of initiatives and processes that create, capture, transfer and mobilise knowledge for joint reflection, innovation and improvement.

Evidence of 'sector learning'?

IRC supports WASH Resource Centres and their networks (RCNs) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Honduras, Nepal and Uganda. In this video RCN coordinators describe what sector learning looks like in their country.

On 11 July 2012, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre organised a webinar for its staff and partners to discuss the lessons that are emerging around the topic of sector learning with WASH Resource Centre Networks. A topic that IRC has been working on since 2009 with partners from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Honduras, Nepal and Uganda.

How do resource centres and their networks contribute to sector learning?

IRC supports WASH Resource Centres and their networks (RCNs) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Honduras, Nepal and Uganda. We have been collecting evidence on how resource centre networks support learning and change in the WASH sectors. In this video RCN coordinators describe how they contribute to sector learning.

Towards a learning-focused sector

From 17 to 20th April, IRC conducted a workshop on how national WASH Resource Centre Networks (RCNs) support learning in their WASH sectors. The workshop which was organised as part of the PSO-supported programme on sector learning with RCNs in Burkina Faso, Honduras, Ghana, Nepal and Uganda. Participants reflected on how resource centre networks are supporting learning in the WASH sector and shared stories of change as well as lessons on what works and what challenges exist.

Getting a grip on 'sector learning'

In April 2011, IRC organised a reflective workshop on ‘Sector Learning’ in the WASH sector. What is sector learning? What does it look like in different countries? And what does it take to make learning at sector level happen? Watch video interviews exploring these questions on the blog.

Towards sector learning and KM in Burkina Faso - Study report (in French)

This is the full report of the study report "Vers la gestion des connaissances et l’apprentissage sectoriel au Burkina Faso : comprendre les pratiques actuelles relatives à l’information et aux connaissances dans le secteur de l’eau et l’assainissement".

Rapport d etude_sept11_04.pdf (869.8 kB)

The Resource Centre Network Burkina Faso: sector learning between history and future

On Friday 22 July 2011, the secretariat of the resource centre network (RCN) from Burkina Faso organised a very special workshop for its members. 25 participants engaged in a very interactive programme looking back at seven years of history and perhaps several years of promises ahead?

Closing the learning loop to feed national decision making

Any learning process must be effective. In Ghana, the learning process in the water and sanitation sector is extensive and devolved, as it should be. But there is an important gap. A structured mechanism is needed to channel lessons from the communities, learning alliances, and other learning fora to decision makers, for example, the annual inter-ministerial roundtable at the Ghana Water Forum.