In spite of decades of investment in rural water supply and sanitation infrastructure, it is estimated that in the developing world some 40 percent of the rural population still lack an adequate water supply and 60 percent are without access to sanitation. Around the world, policy makers and practitioners seek to deal with this situation, in part by building on knowledge and experience that is already available.

However, despite the wide array of global and regional water initiatives and associated information exchange facilities, it is difficult for practitioners to find and share information on the lessons and experiences encountered in the field. Focused on rural areas, the OneWorld Think Tank on water and sanitation is designed to address such issues. A joint initiative, it brings together the information, communication, and content expertise of GARNET, IRC, OneWorld, WaterAid and the World Bank, directing it to building practical knowledge-sharing mechanisms that bring practice closer to policy. More on the initiative can be viewed at the following website:

http://www.oneworld.org/thinktank/water/

COMPONENTS OF THE INITIATIVE

The initiative has two main components - an electronic conferencing mechanism for practitioners, especially in the South, and a web site (see above). This message relates particularly to the electronic conferencing aspect of the intiative.

Beginning in May 1999, a series of electronic conferences will be set up to promote dialogue and knowledge sharing among practitioners in the water and sanitation sector. Using electronic mail with an Internet archive, each of the moderated conferences focuses on a specific theme related in particular to rural water and sanitation. In 1999, four conferences are planned. The proposed subjects of the conferences are as follows:

1.May 17 - June 28, 1999. The "demand responsive approach" in rural water and sanitation (facilitator: World Bank - Jennifer Sara).

2.July-August 1999. Rural sanitation (facilitator: WEDC/GARNET).

3.September-October 1999. Small towns (facilitator: World Bank - Robert Roche).

4.November-December 1999. Knowledge sharing (facilitator: IRC).

FIRST ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE

The first of these conferences will focus on demand-responsive approaches, will be facilitated by Jennifer Sara at the World Bank and is planned to take place between May 17 - June 28 1999. This electronic conference is a follow up to the discussions held during the May 1998 Community Water and Sanitation Conference, hosted by the World Bank and attended by 350 people from 60 countries representing a range of public, private and non-governmental organisations.

According to the World Bank, demand-responsive approaches to rural water and sanitation service delivery are more sustainable than supply-dominated approaches and help to promote innovation and flexibility. The demand responsive approach requires that consumers be engaged in the process of selecting, financing, implementing and managing water and sanitation services that meet their demands and willingness to pay. The approach requires new ways of doing business for all sector stakeholders - communities, NGO's, the private sector, government and others.

This electronic conference will define the demand responsive approach and discuss practical experiences, both positive and negative, with implementing the approach.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

At the end of the e-conference a synthesis report will be produced and circulated to all participants. This will summarise the key points arising from the conferences' phases

The e-conference provides an opportunity to understand more about DRA, a 'hot topic' in the sector and share real life experiences from the field

The e-conference will bring together a wide range of stakeholders - NGO's, researchers, government staff, consultants - to discuss practical elements behind DRA

It will give you an opportunity to voice your comments on DRA

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

If you want to join this conference, simply send a message asking to subscribe to the list owner at:

dra-request@mailbase.ac.uk

WHAT NEXT?

Once you have subscribed to this list, you will (after a few days) receive further information about the forthcoming conference. This will involve details of the background paper on which the conference will focus, conference phases and protocols governing participation.

We very much hope you will be able to join us in this important initiative.

With best wishes,

Darren Saywell
GARNET Secretary

for and on behalf of:
GARNET
IRC (Dick de Jong)
One World (Peter Ballantyne)
WaterAid (Belinda Calaguas)
World Bank (Jennifer Sara)

Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK
Tel: +44 1509 222890; Fax: +44 1509 211079

http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/garnet/ (GARNET)