Unclogging the blockages in sanitation: inter-sector linkages

One of the main blockages to advancing sanitation coverage – identified at Unclogging the Blockages (Kampala, Uganda, 18–20 February 2014) – is the lack of inter-sector coordination (among relevant sectors such as housing, energy, agriculture, and health, as well as public and private actors), particularly at district and municipal levels. The main challenges are: 1) uncertain leadership and silo approaches affecting collective impact; 2) not addressing districtwide or nationwide service delivery; and 3) lack of opportunities to learn from and contribute to other sectors outside sanitation, particularly on market-based solutions. A holistic sanitation strategy not only addresses technology, business models, and financing across the entire sanitation value chain, but also a cross-sector approach that leverages the resources, platforms, expertise, and experiences sectors such as agriculture, energy, and housing have already advanced. With significant gains in demand creation, the tasks are to connect an increasingly informed demand with appropriate and affordable supply options, and to build the capacity of local institutions. The articulation of local market actors is critical to sustainably enter and strengthen supply chains. This paper provides practical strategies for capacity building of sanitation as a business towards city- and district-wide sanitation coverage that brings health and wealth to all. (author abstract)