Consult development plans in the region
Clarify how and where your project fits within the regional development plans
Regional development plans establish priorities for infrastructure development, provide information on relevant projects and are an instrument to coordinate sector development and reforms. Such plans establish the major challenges in a given sector and document how regional authorities will address them (e.g. In Kenya for the water sector this would be the Water Service Boards). Consulting such development plans helps you avoid duplication of work and establish how your project fits into and contributes to the bigger picture of the development of WASH and WRM services.
Purpose and link to IQC
Consulting the development plans of the local authorities and others CSOs will help you to position yourself more clearly towards government and other relevant actors in the area and engage with them effectively. This could help you to find more support and advice from the authorities. It may also allow you to foster joint learning and collaborations, coordinate tasks and avoid conflicts or duplication of efforts.
How to
1. Contact the local authorities
Ask the local authorities responsible for your sub-sector for their development plans.
2. Read the development plans and note down common interests and overlaps
Write down all relevant information for your project and the strategy that you want to follow accordingly. You will have to answer the following questions:
- Are there any plans to foster projects similar to yours (e.g. emphasis on improved sanitation, water harvesting options, capacity building for communities…)?
- Are there any sources of information publicly available that can be of use for your project?
- Are there any associations in the area that may be of interest?
- Are there any project plans in your sector for your area of action?
- Are there any interventions similar to yours planned for other areas?
Example:
| Relevant information | Strategy to follow |
| Plans for developing community project involving capacity building | Ask for support for the project’s capacity building activities |
| Plans to cluster several water service providers | Assess if it might be of interest to communicate with those in your area |
| … | … |
As an example you may find the development plans for the Tanathi Water Service Board in Kenya here.
Template
3. Contact relevant actors and follow-up in areas relevant to your project
Depending on the outcomes of the links and overlaps between the development plans and your project you should explore options for partnerships, co-ordination with other projects and engagement with public authorities (including options for co-funding your project). Find out who to talk to and set up personal meeting wherever feasible to discuss options for engagement around your project.
References & Further Readings
- TANATHI WSB. 2008. Strategic plan: 2008 – 2013. Kenya.