History and development of CRDA-Water and Sanitation

Forum

Adane KassaForum Deputy Chairman

Nile BDC Workshop, Addis Ababa April 8, 2011

Background• WWG was established under the

auspices of CRDA in the early1990s • There were 14 active members

working on water and sanitation • The group was active at that time

• Developed WATSAN directory• Facilitated experience sharing • Consultative meetings on policy

issues( participation in PRSP process)

Background• CRDA working groups restructured

in 2002 (water and sanitation included under RDF

• The good initiatives of the group completely disappeared ( W & S over shadowed)

• Invisibility, less representation and weak advocacy role of NGOs in the sector

WWG reactivation

• WWG reactivation started in 2005 by the group NGOs working in the sector

• The need for WWG reactivation, history and how to move forward was discussed

• Interim SC was established composed of EKHC, Water Action, NCA, Water Aid, Intermon Oxfam and ECWP

• The group started again to meet and operate under RDF as separate group since August 2005

Rationale WWG• enhancing the contribution & engagement of

CSOs for WASH sector with the ongoing changes in the sector (UAP, CBPF, MSF, etc)

• Limited knowledge of policies, strategies, legislations/regulations, plans/programs

• Improving the CSOs network among themselves, with GO, donors and other similar forums

• enhancing CSOs role beyond service delivery in advocacy and lobbying, policy dialogues, sector performance monitoring, etc

• Contribute for capacity enhancement of CSOs

Major achievements of WWG• Three sub-groups formed • Participation in EUWI dialogue process

and MSFs • Co-organized WWD events and

dialogue on the sector • Conducted over 20 meetings for sharing

relevant information, experiences and strengthening the group

• Popularization of the group in different forums (Acton research, ECWP annual workshop, MSF,etc)

Major achievements of WWG• Initiated and facilitated the CSO WASH

contribution study• Organized discussion forums for

members by inviting MoWRs and donors on UAP and CBPF resp.

• Facilitated Solar Technology project preparation for WORLD WATER & POWER CO.

• Cleared the way to work together on common agendas with DAG water group

From WWG to WSF-start up action

• Application for the establishment of WSF was made for CRDA and consultation made with CRDA management

From WWG to WSF• MOU and Action plan is prepared for the

group, consultation made with members and submitted to CRDA Secretariat and Board

• Finally after one year effort and consultation the WWG got forum status with full support from CRDA (February 5 2008)

• 50 % salary contribution commitment guaranteed from members and the remaining 50 % and office facilities will be availed by CRDA

Objectives of the Forum• To Engage in shared learning and

promotion of best experiences

• To engage in joint advocacy and lobbying in the sector

• To network and build partnerships among members for better coordination and collective impact in Wash sector

• To show the role and contribution of CSOs/NGOs

Areas of Engagement

• Learning, documentation and information sharing

• Advocacy and lobbying• Joint Research• Collaboration with international

similar Forums

Thematic Groups

• Research, Advocacy and lobbying• Learning Documentation and

Awareness raising• Coordination and networking

( already established)

Members

• Currently WSF has about 52 members of local and international NGOs working in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sub sector

• Applications for Membership are still coming

Achievements so far• Capacity building: strengthening

the Forum• Outreach increases Forum membership –

currently 52 member NGOs• Birr 132,000 contributed to the Forum by

member organizations• The forum was able to secure fund amounting

106 ,000 pound sterling from DFID • Full-time Forum Coordinator recruited: • Discussions linking the Forum to the African Civil

Society Network on Water and Sanitation – ANEW

• The WSF information brochure prepared• WASH related information circulated via e-mail• TOR for the working group and membership

criteria drafted

Capacity Building –Exposure and Experience Exchange• A number of member organisations have been

supported by the Forum to facilitate international exposure and experience exchange:• 5 organizations participated in the AfricaSan

Conference in Durban South Africa (financial support by UNICEF)

• 1 organization took part in the 33rd WEDC International Conference in Ghana (financial support by UNICEF) Upon return, the participant is representing the Forum on the organizing committee for the next WEDC International Conference which will be held next year here in Addis Ababa

• 1 organization participated in a delegation to learn about sector coordination in Tanzania (financial support by Water Aid)

• Three WSF members Participated in ANEW meeting held in Nairobi to discuss on the progress of eTHEKWINI commitments.

Coordination and Networking• Recognition by the MoWR, MOH and MOE: the

Forum is represented in the National WASH Steering Committee and the National WASH Technical Team which are the main sector coordination bodies

• The launch of the Forum, has made a formal dialogue between the DAG Water and civil society working in the sector possible. And a joint CSO/DAG Water Action Plan has been drafted

• WSF co-sponsored the World Water Day 2008 celebration with a total amount of 20,000 Birr. Acting Director of CRDA delivered a key note address representing Civil Society Organizations working in the WASH Sector

Coordination and Networking • Sector actors are increasingly

recognizing the Forum as a relevant actor to consult, e.g.:• SC was consulted in

− Preparation of National WASH Program implementation and M&E/MIS Manuals and Implementation.

• SC and Forum members actively participated for the first time during this year’s Annual WASH Sector Joint Technical Review process

Challenges encountered

• Long process of Forum status approval

• Limited WASH NGOs participation compared to the actual number

• Turnover of Forum representatives of Members

Thank YOU!