Hydraulic ram pumps and Sling Pumps

Appendix: Advocacy Papers - IRC International Water and Sanitation CentreCommunication is the golden thread that draws together the sector withpolicy makers, officials who carry out policy, natural allies in health,agriculture and other sectors, and the community itself. It ensures thatpolicy makers and communities alike are committed to projects andtheir success. It makes partnerships possible and prevents expensivemistakes. Communication is not a substitute for technical expertise, butallows that expertise to be applied more effectively, by helping tochange human attitude and behaviour. When the problem is creating anew understanding in human beings, communication is the right toolfor the job. Communication in this broad sense means:●●●●mobilising key sectors of society, the policy makers, governmentofficials, non-government agencies, the media and others in support ofthe sector and its broad objectives;creating dialogue with men and women in the community to find outwhat they believe, want, and are able to sustain; and involving them infinding a range of solutions, from which they can choose;working with allied sectors, notably health, agriculture andenvironment, so that each understands the other, and so thatcomplementary efforts are co-ordinated;ensuring that sector people learn what works and what does not.Responsibility for changing the agenda, so that communication is putfirst, lies with the sector itself. The more that this communicationculture penetrates the sector, the better will its people becomeadvocates for its work internationally, mobilisers of policy makerswithin developing countries, allies of sectors with complementaryaims, and trusted partners of the community.Does Communication really make a difference?http://www.irc.nl/page/6245 (2 of 10) [1/13/2005 12:47:34 PM]