Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• It is important to identify and characterise the stakeholders involved when planning urban WASH projects so that all interests can be considered.
• The planning and implementation stages of community WASH projects needs effective communication with stakeholders so that their knowledge and resources can be included.
• Engaging stakeholders helps to improve decision making and accountability and ensure sustainability of WASH projects.
• Stakeholder mapping is a useful tool for defining the level of interest and power of each stakeholder.
• In the past, the approach has been fragmented with a lack of coordination between organisations responsible for WASH projects.
• It is important to understand the advantages of working across disciplinary and sector boundaries. Teamwork involving a variety of people with different skills and knowledge will bring more effective and sustainable results.