The workshop itself served as a vibrant platform for moving from tools to transformation. Day 1 focused into the practical participatory tools being used across states under the Jal Jeevan Mission programme. Participants actively mapped the tools using chart paper and cards that showcased diverse field-level innovations. Each tool was linked to the specific challenges it addresses, ensuring that solutions remain rooted in local realities. This was followed by group discussions which enabled the participants to analyse the tools in depth, examining their context and methodology, the resources required and results achieved, the changes brought about in community dynamics, and opportunities to further strengthen outcomes in the future. Day 2 culminated in an energetic plenary session where participants presented their learnings to peers and experts, fostering learning and collective reflection cross the states. All the participants were invited for a networking dinner which was held on 22^nd December.

By documenting and sharing Jan Bhagidari tools through this collaborative process, the workshop laid the foundation for developing a National Compendium that will guide participatory and sustainable water management in the years ahead. CLTS Foundation contributed in the national effort and  continues advocating for people-centred, participatory approaches that place communities at the heart of water security and development.

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Available on Amazon. You can order your copy. Make the world better together.

The post “Institutional Triggering – A Guide to Take CLTS to Scale” appeared first on CLTS Foundation Global.

Dr Kamal Kar’s new book entitled Institutional Triggering: A Guide to Take CLTS to Scale has just been published. The book explains the need for Institutional Triggering as an important tool to complement the CLTS methodology and influence large institutions and powerful actors in WASH within the government ministry and outside to scale up the home-grown success of CLTS across their respective nations. It describes how facilitators can engage and interact with high officials and senior leaders and convince them to be proactive and act in spreading the success of CLTS to regions with poor sanitation.

Order your copy Today!

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Global Approach to Sanitation

Based in Kolkata, India, Dr. Kar is the Chairman of the CLTS Foundation. He developed the CLTS approach in Bangladesh in the early 2000s, shifting the focus of sanitation programmes from providing infrastructure to promoting behaviour change. CLTS encourages communities to stop open defecation through collective action without relying on external subsidies.

“CLTS isn’t only about putting up toilets,” Dr. Kar said. “It’s really about helping people change their habits and making those changes last.” Dr. Kar explained. He reflected on how earlier models, which focused on subsidising toilets, often failed because they didn’t tackle the underlying behaviour issues.

“Millions of subsidised toilets were built around the world, but more than 70% were unused or repurposed. The real issue wasn’t about building toilets—it was about changing behaviours,” he said. Governments and organisations have since adopted the CLTS approach in over 73 countries, including UNICEF and the World Bank.

The Importance of Behaviour Change

Dr. Kar shared an anecdote from his work in Zambia, where he met a man who proudly showed him a newly constructed toilet but admitted he didn’t use it. The man explained that the toilet was too valuable to use.

“He told me, ‘This is the most valuable possession I have. I live in a mud-walled, thatched-roof house. How can I use a brick building with an iron roof as a toilet?’” Dr. Kar recalled.

“It’s about addressing the cycle of contamination. Communities need to change their attitudes and behaviours around sanitation,” Dr. Kar explained. CLTS focuses on ensuring that communities themselves are engaged in the process, which leads to long-term, sustainable improvements in public health.

A Longstanding Partnership

Vita and Dr. Kar have been collaborating for more than two decades. Their partnership in East Africa has focused on implementing CLTS in rural communities and promoting behaviour change. Through their work together, villages have become Open Defecation Free (ODF), and improved cookstoves have been introduced, enhancing health and environmental outcomes.

“We began in two villages where CLTS was introduced and scaled up. The approach spread organically within a year as neighbouring communities saw and adopted the results,” Dr. Kar said.

Improved cookstoves were also introduced. “The stoves reduced fuel consumption and harmful smoke exposure, making a significant difference in the health of women and children,” Dr. Kar noted. Vita supported local entrepreneurs to manufacture and distribute the stoves, ensuring their availability to the wider community.

Expanding the Approach

Dr. Kar’s latest book, Institutional Triggering, outlines how institutions can adopt and promote the principles of CLTS to drive sustainable development at a larger scale.

“Some institutions have moved away from providing subsidies, but many still rely on them, which can perpetuate dependency,” Dr. Kar said. His book calls for a shift in how institutions approach development, moving from dependency models to those encouraging community empowerment. “It’s about creating the conditions for community-driven change,” he explained.

By ‘triggering’ institutions to support this shift, Dr. Kar hopes to see a wider adoption of community-led approaches, similar to the success of CLTS in villages.

The Future of Community-Led Development

Dr. Kar is hopeful about the future of community-led development. “When communities are empowered, they can achieve outcomes that go beyond what was initially expected,” he said. Vita continues to work alongside Dr. Kar and the CLTS Foundation, particularly in Ethiopia, where they aim to introduce improved cookstoves to 1.5 million households in the coming years. This initiative is expected to conserve biomass and improve reforestation and health outcomes for millions of people.

Dr. Kar shared valuable insights on the importance of community empowerment and behaviour change in achieving sustainable sanitation and development. His partnership with Vita has helped drive these efforts, and his work continues to influence how institutions and communities address sanitation challenges. As CLTS and similar approaches continue to expand, the focus remains on empowering communities to lead their own progress.

Listen to Dr. Kar’s Vita Voices podcast episode

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Embarking on the Water Act 2013 with the funding support of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) in association with Development Association for Self-Reliance Communication and Health (DASCOH) Foundation and in collaboration with Water Resource Planning Organisation WARPO implemented the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project in partnership with 39 Union Parishads and 3 Paurashavas in Rajshahi, Chapai Nawabganj and Naogaon districts – the lowest tier of local government that are legally mandated to ensure and regulate water related services. With priority to address the needs of disadvantaged groups the IWRM project covered a total of 106,743 households and 488, 845 population. The project’s prime focus was based on 4R principle e.g., 1. Reduction of over-abstraction and water pollution 2. Reuse of rainwater 3. Recycling water resources 4. Restoring water safety.  It was expected that the project will contribute to a paradigm shift to cross-sectoral integrated management of water resources from a sub-sectoral focus on improved water access.

The IWRM Project consists of two complementary components which are

(i) the ‘National Component’ implemented by Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) of Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) and

(ii) the ‘Sub-National Component’ implemented by SRC in association with DASCOH Foundation.

The National Component’s focus was to further develop the national regulatory framework and operationalize the institutional mechanisms foreseen in the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013. The Sub-National Component of IWRM Project was complementing the National IWRM Project by focusing on sub-national government level. Besides supporting national component in developing water rules and organizing and conducting various consultation events intervention strategies applied by the sub-national component were:

• Awareness creation among stakeholders on the importance of IWRM adaptation
• Community based planning, implementation and monitoring through formation and facilitation of WRMCs and their associations.
• Community-led advocacy to UPs in addressing priority needs of meeting the water crisis identified by the WRMCs.
• Comprehensive input to the UP to establish a functional Union IWRM committee and perform their functions assigned by the BWR, 2018 and Union IWRM Guidelines.

The frequency of droughts, cyclones, floods, and other natural calamities across the globe is a stark reminder of the potential threats to human life. It is imperative for us to rise and protect our future. The IWRM project in the Barind area of Bangladesh is playing a crucial role in this endeavour.

Based on its practice generated lessons and learnings SRC and DASCOH believes that the approaches and methodologies have been implemented by the IWRM project   have an incredible potential to be replicated nationwide towards promotion of inclusive water governance in a sustainable manner. CLTS Foundation Global-India has undertaken the responsibility of assessing the impact of IWRM project and documenting its implementation process to further enhance the impact of IWRM in Barind area of Bangladesh.

The   objective of the study was to assess the impact created by the IWRM project; document the institutional process, strengths and weaknesses and implementation processes applied in the IWRM project. This was also focused to determine the way forward.

The study was carried out between 14^th – 24^th July 2023. During these 10 days intensive study by a three-member team from CLTS Foundation accompanied by staff from DASCOH Foundation and Swiss Red Cross (SRC) travelled to villages, Union Parishads, Upazilas and Districts of Barind area namely Nagaon, Chapai Nawabganj and Rajshahi. During the entire study, the team members used participatory approaches in eliciting the information from the community members and other stakeholders while visiting various project areas. Additionally, 4 male and 4 female national enumerators were engaged in gathering household data and other allied information through a questionnaire survey.  In line with the research ethics, both primary and secondary sources of data including quantitative and qualitative information, opinions and ideas were gathered from relevant stakeholders. Apart from the survey the following participatory tools were used:

• Focused Group Discussions.
• Key Informant Interviews
• Workshops with Union Parishads and Municipalities
• Direct Observations
• Site visits with transect walk and discussions with farmers and water users in the field; and
• Review of videos, and documents.

It was evident from the analysis of data and information, opinions and ideas offered by the beneficiaries at different level that the IWRM project has created significant and lasting impacts. Impact of the IWRM project can be grouped under four broad categories which are institutional impact, social impact, impact on water resource conservation and climate change adaptation.

The impact on climate change cannot be easily measured without rigorous scientific study. Nevertheless, a notable transformation in the vegetation landscape of the project area is evident through the expansion of mango and other orchards. The project has successfully heightened awareness and promoted practices in water resource conservation, resulting in the preservation of billions of litres of groundwater annually. According to the perception of local citizens, the IWRM project’s major impact include the diversification of crop cultivation, improvement of soil texture, and enhancement of biodiversity.

A fairly distinct impact has also been noticed on the livelihood of the people living in the Barind area particularly those who benefitted from the IWRM project. Simultaneously, a negative impact has been noticed in the reduction of opportunity in the seasonal income of the tribal women force due to sharp reduction of more than 75% in the cultivable areas of rice which was replaced by orchard. The tribal women labourer who used to engaged themselves in different stages of rice cultivation (transplanting, weeding, harvesting, thrashing, storage) in large number has been reduced sharply. Although the individual women labour earns more under the orcharding activities, the number getting income opportunity has sharply been dropped as compared to rice cultivation.

The evaluation put forward the approach applied by the IWRM project embody an ample value to be replicated thus deserves more attention and support from the Government of Bangladesh (GoB).

The challenges in achieving a coordinated planning at all level through convergence of targeted interventions of all relevant ministries, departments and agencies engaged in water, agriculture, land and other relevant resource management. Achieving convergence of land and water use plans is also crucial in IWRM still remains a challenge.  Another challenge is to have government’s concrete plan and action on the ground. The GoB are yet to officially declare categories of water stress areas and to layout its concrete policy-plans and actions to reduce this serious disaster risk. Although Barind is a home for many ethnic populations, the ownership of most of the land belongs to the elite Bengalis who shifted to orcharding from the traditional rice cultivation. As a result of this shift a few genders negative impact has been noticed on the life of disadvantaged ethnic women.  In the context of protection of livelihood land ownership and decision of crop cultivation by landlords often affects the livelihood of marginalized ethnic women which is a new challenge for these women.

Visit to the intervention area of IWRM project

Triangulating ideas and opinions gathered by the study and in consideration of above-stated challenges; the evaluation put across following recommendation for more meaningful way forward:

• Intensify advocacy interventions by developing an advocacy strategic plan to advocate the Barind water issue to higher-level politicians and decision-makers.
• Design and implement special Water Disaster Risk Reduction (WDRR) projects for those Unions and Upazilas under severe threat of water crisis
• Consider a special programme for the promotion of alternative livelihood for disadvantaged ethnic communities.
• Raise stakeholders’ awareness on land use policy and planning
• Introduce participatory water quality monitoring and result sharing
• Continued training and capacity building for the UP Chairmen and Members
• Development of IWRM Training Curriculum
• Intensify interventions related to improve sanitation and waste management
• Encouraging WRMCs to create self-help savings and revolving fund:
• Conservation of surface runoff and rainwater for domestic and irrigation purposes
• Evaluate performance of Rajshahi Divisional WARPO office: Identify performance gaps; and then determine needs to be addressed to make the divisional WARPO office more functional and effective
• Scaling up through horizontal learning and sharing

The IWRM project strategies and methodology applied by WARPO, SRC and DASCOH is highly laudable for its effectiveness and efficiency to promote equitable water governance. However, in terms of sustainability of process it would have been more efficient if the gradual phase-out strategies and framework were an inbuilt component. The project is ending soon but it seems that there remains an ambiguity on the sustainability of the institutionalization process initiated. As an when the project support is withdrawn with the withdrawal of facilitation support by SRC-DASCOH it is likely that the sustainability will suffer a jerk. There is no doubt that institutionalization of IWRM approach require continuation of facilitation input from SRC-DASCOH and WARPO until the established IWRMC at Upazila is ready to perform similar roles. The evaluation recommends WARPO, SRC and DASCOH to develop capacity of Upazila ad Union IWRMCs towards gradual shifting of role to them which are being performed by SRC-DASCOH at the moment. There are examples of self-initiated and voluntary budgetary allocations by several municipalities and UPs for the continuity and sustainability of effort.

DASCOH and SRC could strategize to implement above –stated recommendations by tapping funding from various funding and development agencies to carry on the activities.  The major learning from this project could also be disseminated to other areas of Bangladesh and elsewhere through national and regional workshops followed by documentation of the proceedings including case studies of the project areas.

Employment generation, creating a positive impact on nature, and among managing sustainable goals through water resource management, tree plantation, and community-scale workshops, the project is addressing the challenge of water scarcity in a drought-prone area. It not only provides fresh air but also contributes to the improvement of the cost-of-living expenses for the local population. Now, more than ever, it is essential for us to take action and work towards a sustainable and resilient future.

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Defecation into rivers contaminates the minimal water that these waterbodies have in the summer to meet animals’ needs; additionally, fireworks pose a risk inside the forests, say conservationists and local residents

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According to the latest WHO data, published in 2020 diarrhoeal disease deaths in South Sudan reached 7,270 or 8.67% of total deaths. The age- adjusted death rate is 89.87 per 100,000 of population ranks South Sudan 9^th in the world.

Communicable diseases remain a major public health problem and are the leading cause of death. Malaria, diarrhoea, and pneumonia constitute about 77% of the total OPD diagnoses for children under five. Other causes of morbidity and mortality include maternal deaths; severe acute malnutrition; TB/HIV where TB prevalence is at 146 per 100,000 and HIV/AIDS prevalence is estimated at 2.6%, hence classified as a generalized epidemic.

All of these could be curable provided there is a political will supported by budgetary contributions to public health at the national level.

Achieving ODF targets by 2030 will require a quintuple (fivefold) of current rates of progress. If South Sudan progresses in the current way, it will become an ODF country by 2065.

To scale up CLTS in South Sudan, a training of trainer’s was conducted in Torit, from 11^th – 17^th February 2023. The training brought together 77 participants from Government, INGOs, NGOs and other WASH stakeholders. A team from CLTS Foundation Global led by Dr Kamal Kar was invited by Mentor Initiative to implement the training workshop in Torit. The workshop was implemented by CLTS Foundation Global with support from MENTOR Initiative and UNICEF South Sudan. After the five days training workshop in Torit, a one-day national-level institutional triggering event was held in capital city of Juba on 20th February.

Some of the recommendations which emerged after the training and institutional triggering event were mainly focused towards enhancing community participation, ownership, and institutionalisation of CLTS with appropriate policy adjustments resulting in high quality and effective CLTS implementation at an accelerated speed.

The post The Cascading Approach to Scale-Up Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in South Sudan appeared first on CLTS Foundation Global.

The learning event was supported and facilitated by UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), CLTS Foundation Global, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Regional Sanitation Center (RSC) for South Asia, wherein internationally recognized sanitation experts were invited. SanLearn 2022 intended to bring together senior government officials, key decision-makers and technical staff from different countries to engage in discussion and seek common solutions to eliminate open defecation and scale up access to safely managed sanitation.

The CLTS Foundation Global was engaged by the Nepal Country Office to undertake a comprehensive analysis and an evaluation of the ODF programme and to also identify lessons learned to help better planning and designing interventions for ensuring ODF sustainability. They had also been tasked with assessing how effectively gender and equity dimensions have been addressed. All these elements were a key focus of the SanLearn conference which is a regional knowledge sharing and capacity development event. CLTS Foundation Global’s findings from Nepal were critically important learnings for participants attending the event to develop their capacities and in helping them achieving SDG 6.2 in South Asia, where tremendous strides have been made in eliminating ODF, but with a lot more yet to be done.

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Somalia, which is part of the Horn of Africa and an actor within the confluence of the Mediterranean belt, should be seriously considered as part of the Mediterranean pavilion debate of issues concerning better strategies for supporting Agri-food systems in Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASAL) and riverine systems with and through proper analysis and understanding of the coping mechanisms that negatively impact climate change. Adaptation and mitigation strategies for sustainable food and energy systems should be community led and focus on reinforcing the green circular economy by restoring / preventing further biodiversity loss in Somalia.”

– By Dipankar Datta, Ph.D.

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Over the last one-year Norwegian Church Aid / Kirkens Nødhjelp (NCA) and its partners namely KAALO and SADO mobilized 32 youth football teams in two districts of Belet Hawo in Jubaland and Garowe in Puntland states of Somalia and hosted 30 matches by bringing more than 5,000 youth in the playgrounds. These football matches provided avenues to all the clans to come together towards peaceful co-existence and dialogue for conflict resolution. Like many youths in Somalia, we can also say that “when the youth play and are positively engaged, the world wins”.

Traditionally sports activities are organized and managed by individual clans. Every clan at the local level has its own sports team and clan members only support their clan sports team. Inter-clan football matches often triggered conflicts as when one team wins the other team would not accept defeat. The peace building initiative of NCA in Somalia has successfully resolved these conflicts by facilitating the participation of youth from various clans in dialogue forums, civic education, and community conversations to prevent violence followed by bringing them together to participate in inter-clan sports.

The impact of extensive sensitization activities towards social cohesion can be experienced in many fronts. For example, the winning team is now recognized and congratulated by members from all the clans. The other example would be the participation of local authorities in the peace building process who not only come to the playground to cheer up the teams but also amplify the voices of the youth towards social cohesion and strengthen the social ties between and within districts and to pass key messages on prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) and other harmful practices against women and girls. Through social mobilization, 50 male youth have been trained as role models acting as change agents on prevention of GBV and promoting human rights. The experience also establishes the fact that youth could be the ambassadors of peace.”

– By Dipankar Datta, Ph.D.

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