On 28 and 29 June 2012, the Joint Monitoring Programme water working group shared results from their first electronic survey. The group collected information on capacity and incentives for water-sector actors to comply with post-2015 JMP targets and standards. The survey also solicited opinions from NGOs, private consultancies, academic institutions, donors, and governmental bodies on the working group’s four draft targets.
Published on: 31/07/2012
In January 2012, the Joint Monitoring Programme [JMP] of WHO and UNICEF established four working groups to identify and refine potential post-2015 targets and indicators for water, sanitation, hygiene, and equity/non-discrimination. On 28 and 29 June 2012, the JMP water working group shared results from their first electronic survey. The group collected views about the suitability of draft goal and targets, as well as on capacity and incentives for water-sector actors to engage with post-2015 JMP global monitoring . The survey also solicited opinions from NGOs, private consultancies, academic institutions, donors, and governmental bodies on the working group’s four draft targets:
The 188 survey respondents rated whether the four draft targets were specific, measurable, attainable, relevant (nationally and globally), and timely. Opinions indicate that Target 1 is specific and relevant, while Target 2 is specific and measurable. Target 3 is very specific and Target 4 is the least specific out of the entire list, but it is still regarded as being relevant, both nationally and globally.
Result from electronic survey: specificity assessment of four draft targets.
According to survey results, governments regard the JMP, with its universal targets and indicators, as a useful way of focusing national and local efforts. However, respondents from governments also indicated difficulties in complying with JMP targets and standards due to limited political and organisational capacities. Harold Lockwood of Triple-S/Aguaconsult and member of the JMP water working group secretariat said that ‘respondents from governments see JMP indicators and targets as being important for putting WASH on the agenda. WASH ministries can mobilise resources from other governmental bodies and donors. However, what we need to further understand and identify are the necessary conditions and incentives for governments to really engage with the JMP.’
Lockwood also emphasised that the first electronic survey has its limitations. Out of 188 survey respondents, only 7% were represented by governmental bodies from developing countries. Improving communications and consultations with national sector stakeholders is a key lesson for the working group in finalising post-2015 water targets and indicators. The water working group will continue to improve how they function in three key areas: 1) communications with the other three working groups—sanitation, hygiene, and equity/non-discrimination; 2) engaging with the UN to stay on top of how international platforms, including the JMP and Rio+20, all fit together; and 3) improving dialogue with national governments and other water-sector actors. According to Harold Lockwood ‘an internet-based survey is probably not the best way of getting people’s views. It gives us a first look at opinions, but obviously we’ll need better ways to engage with national governments and civil society groups; perhaps through the Rural Water Supply Network or face-to-face meetings.’
The WHO/UNICEF JMP for Water Supply and Sanitation is the official United Nations body tasked with monitoring progress of reaching the Millennium Development Goal [MDG] of halving the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015. As 2015 draws nearer, initial targets are being re-evaluated and re-defined. The JMP post-2105 water working group, the designated body for identifying post-2015 targets, is comprised of experts from national government ministries, statistical bureaus, technical agencies and development partner organisations from a range of countries. The group plans to complete the draft of post-2015 water targets and indicators by early December 2012. The finalised version will be presented during the first quarter of 2013.
The Secretariat of the Working Group—comprised of WaterAid, IRC and Triple-S/Aguaconsult, managed and implemented the electronic survey on behalf of the working group.
Download the full report of the electronic survey:
31 July 2012.
