Sector learning in the WASH sector – a short introduction                                                             April 2009

This is the discussion group on sector learning for the WASH sector. Sector Learning is a relative new concept and the common understanding around it is still developing. We are using here an initial definition and a listing of characteristics that have been identified at the recent sector learning workshop in November 2008 in Delft, the Netherlands, organized by IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre.

What is sector learning?  Sector learning actively creates, captures, transfers, mobilises knowledge to enable the sector to adapt itself and anticipate and influence a changing environment leading to better performance in services delivery. Sector learning implies a new way of working. Innovation and use of new knowledge by the sector requires the capacity and willingness to do things together, better and sometimes differently.

It acknowledges that knowledge is not just something that exists in the heads of ‘experts’. All stakeholders are knowledge providers and users and all can learn from each other. This is an organised method of learning across institutional and professional boundaries, valuing traditional and community knowledge as well as that of experts. The roles of sector stakeholders are re-defined as they adopt a common approach of learning with each other, from each other.

What are the main features of sector learning?

• It is a process that engages different institutional stakeholders, like local service providers, the national regulator, the national policy maker, etc.;
• It has a long-term perspective and happens at scale;
• It is owned by the sector is based on a sector vision, uses multi-stakeholder platforms and has an acknowledged facilitator.

Ownership by the sector means that sector learning is a culture that is actively encouraged, planned and coordinated.

• There is strategy for learning that is jointly developed and agreed, and a national steering group to lead the process;
• The leading governmental sector entity acknowledges the relevance of sector learning and supports and encourages its development;
• A facilitator guides the processes of sector learning towards a joint vision;
• Resources are committed to learning processes by the sector;
• Other sector stakeholders acknowledge and respond to this initiative and commit themselves to contribute and participate.

This group will look at: methods that facilitate and promote sector learning (resource centre networks, learning alliances, coordination mechanisms, national information systems, country-wide capacity development programmes with a learning component, etc.). Under this broad heading, we are open to discuss a range of issues: concepts, tools, approaches, examples, ideas, trends, questions and answers about learning, facilitating, networking, coordination, innovation, advocating for learning, funding learning initiatives, and other topics that you think are relevant.

The IRC thematic team on Sector Learning