What does 'sector learning' mean?

On these pages, we will publish experiences with sector learning that aim to make service delivery in WASH more equitable and effective. Share your ideas and join in our reflections on the learning for change weblog

IRC's brochure on sector learning summarises assumptions and elements that we believe will lead to a learning sector, or learning at sector level.
Some key points about 'sector learning':

• A learning WASH sector is one where stakeholders seek to systemise the capture and sharing of experiences within the sector and to develop joint capacity to reflect on these lessons in order to adapt and improve service delivery.
• The concept of 'sector learning' provides a framework at the national level to create, transfer and mobilise knowledge for better service delivery. Sector learning is about enabling the sector to anticipate, respond actively to and influence a rapidly changing environment.
• "Sector learning implies the desire and capacity to do things together, better and differently, based on an understanding that all stakeholders are knowledge providers and users."
• "Sector learning will increase the capacity of the sector to take ownership of challenges and problems and the process of seeking solutions."