Sustainable and Innovative Rural water, Sanitation and Hygiene – Closing phase (SIRWASH)

Direct beneficiaries: i) Sectorial WASH entities; ii) Provincial and municipal  governments  and community-based entities; iii) (Young) WASH practitioners,  (Young) entrepreneurs, National WASH Platforms, Civil Society Organizations; 
iv) Private sector 

End beneficiaries: i) Vulnerable people from rural and dispersed communities in targeted countries. 

1. Policies: The rural WASH sector of each country is improved through better  policy implementation and improved regulatory framework. 
2. Capacities and knowledge: Sectorial entities capacities are strengthened (including topics such as climate change and disaster risk reduction), knowledge is capitalized and disseminated through South – south collaboration.
3. Innovation: Youth-led WASH businesses are consolidated, and a platform is  strengthened to foster and channel exchanges among youths, entrepreneurs  and financiers. 

Expected results:  

• 03 normative instruments are consolidated to be implemented in the rural setting.  
• 05 guidelines are enhanced for the effective consolidation of rural WASH service  provision, accountability and investment.  
• 25 start-ups consolidated with advance technical support to strength their  financial sustainability and impact. 
• 04 new partnerships with Swiss networks (AGUASAN, ResEAU, Swiss Water Partnership) and Global women networks are promoted to enhance knowledge sharing.  
• 06 regional and global dialogues spaces organized to disseminate knowledge products and policy advocacy 
• 1000 people (at least 30% women) trained through thematic dialogues, strategic  workshops and study tours,  including elements of climate change and risk management. 
• 10 different kinds of knowledge resources developed to raise awareness and foster exchange & learning. 
• 01 capitalization of experiences of SDC WASH programs in Latin America 
• 400’000 people have benefited with better services through the program results and the investment loans.   

Results from previous phases:  

• More than US$ 400 million in investment loans have been leveraged for the period 2021 to 2029. 
• 4 regulatory instruments were influenced by SIRWASH activities. 
• 69% (46) of the supported youth led start-ups continue operating and had an impact over 35’000 people.  
• A LAC branch within the Community of Practice of the Rural Water Sanitation  Network was promoted and strengthened. 
• 16  alliances were established for knowledge sharing, capacity building and policy advocacy. 
• More than 2000 WASH sector specialists and professionals participated and  trained through global and regional seminars, dialogues, webinars and online courses. 
• 6  pilot projects contributed to address rural WASH challenges.  
• 250’000 people have benefited with better services through the program results and the investment loans.