Sustainability Planning and Monitoring

THE MPA FRAMEWORK AND PROCESSFigure 4Experiential learning cycle(Kolb, 1984 and Pfohl, 1986)3.6 Three-step participatoryassessmentsThe MPA uses a three-level systemapproach in its quest forsustainability and equity, linking thelevels in mutually reinforcing ways (seeframework diagram, section 3.1). The designof the MPA links community level outcomes toinstitutional practice and institutional practicesin turn to national sector policies. Asssessmentof how water and sanitation projects areimplemented, is the first level. Assessment ofinstitutional factors and approaches that shapeimplementation strategies constitutes the secondlevel. Assessment of the policy environment inthe water and sanitation sector that regulatesinstitutional practice, is the third level in theMPA’s bottom-up learning approach.When well applied, participatory tools not onlyprovide reliable data for outsiders but they initiateexperiential and mutual learning spirals for allparties at all levels. MPA uses this characteristicof participatory tools to connect stakeholders atall three levels, including policymakers, staff fromlocal governments, service delivery agencies, anduser communities. The resulting common insightsare a first condition for action where action isneeded. Scoring results together providesopportunities for crosschecking correctness,completeness, and predictive value through atransparent process.In introductory dialogues with communities, theelite, the extrovert and the male usually dominate.Therefore, as with all other participatoryapproaches, care must be taken initially that thegroups are sufficiently homogeneous toencourage free expression of ideas and opinions,and that the activities are facilitated skillfully toensure that all have equal voice. The MPA doesthis through a sequence of participatory toolsused with at least four types of gender and class-26