Summary of the SNDP outcome assessment, with supporting evidence and consideration of contextual factors and causal mechanisms affecting outcome realization
| Results | Illustrative evidence | |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome assessment | Summary of supporting evidence for the assessment | Contextual factors and causal mechanisms affecting how the outcome was realized |
| Informants’ participation in research prompts reflection on WASH Realized, clear project contribution [intermediate outcome] | Interviews: Practitioner participants noted thinking more deeply as a result of the SNDP on how to support the development of the WASH sector and how to handle negative sanitation practices in riverine communities by considering solutions that are not conventional. The PI suggested that the interview and opportunity to discuss personal experiences may have been affirming for research participants | The PI facilitated the process of reflection by involving stakeholders in data collection and asking them about their WASH knowledge and practices (co-production of knowledge). Engagement with the research questions and other system actors through the WhatsApp group exposed informants to different perspectives and ways of thinking |
| PIND staff gain knowledge and capacities and apply them in related work Realized, clear project contribution [intermediate outcome] | Interviews: PIND staff were aware of the SNDP which coincided with their own work. The SNDP presented new lenses to explore sanitation programing which have been adopted by PIND staff. The SNDP contributed to knowledge within PIND and has changed the way staff work on sanitation in riverine communities. However, it was suggested that PIND could have leveraged SNDP contributions further. Survey: Survey results suggest that the SNDP provided practitioners, including those outside of PIND with a better understanding of the topic. Some practitioners are using the SNDP’s findings to improve their role as a WASH community worker | The PI simultaneously conducted their doctoral research while working at PIND. Through the PI’s managerial position at PIND, knowledge gained by the PI was transferred to PIND colleagues also working in the WASH sector (n.b., PIND works in many areas of community development, WASH being only one focus). Learning from the PI as a colleague (e.g. mentor relationship) increased PIND staff effectiveness and capacities. As a result of staff enthusiasm and dedication to improve their skills as WASH practitioners, PIND staff were motivated to apply SNDP knowledge and capacities to their work |
| Forum for WASH discussion grows Realized, clear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Documents: The PI played a leading role in the establishment of the WASH sector WhatsApp group which brings together practitioners and different stakeholders working in the Niger Delta to share knowledge and best practices. Interviews: Practitioners are aware of the WhatsApp group and note that the PI continues to engage in the forum. Survey: The majority of survey respondents use the WhatsApp group more than once a week on average to connect with other WASH practitioners, use information shared in the group, share information to the group, ask questions to the group, and answer questions asked by other members in the group. Respondents also noted sharing job opportunities to the group and learning from best practices of other organizations who are successful in improving WASH, including PIND and United Purpose | Reflecting on their experience in the Niger Delta WASH sector, the PI identified the need for a mechanism for a community of practice for stakeholders and practitioners to discuss and engage with one another to share information. Prior to the SNDP, there was a lack of engagement and collaboration across the Niger Delta WASH sector which contributed to duplication and inefficient use of resources. By leveraging their networks and reputation within the WASH sector, the PI identified the benefit for practitioners and stakeholders to participate in the forum, which functioned as a community of practice or a coalition. Practitioners continue to engage in and use the forum, suggesting the WhatsApp continues to be a beneficial space for practitioners to participate |
| WASH sector recognizes WASH gaps, issues, and opportunities Realized, clear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Interviews: Practitioners connected contributions made by the SNDP supported the WASH sector in recognizing gaps, issues, and/or opportunities for the improvement of sanitation in the Niger Delta. The SNDP highlighted the need to explore appropriate technology options, the availability of materials within communities, and behaviour change. Practitioners have begun to prioritize the needs of individuals in riverine communities and new projects have stemmed from this recognition. The increase of information on the topic as well as the identified need to collate knowledge and research have supported practitioners’ abilities to identify gaps and ensure there is no duplication across projects. The SNDP provided a starting point for further work on the topic. Survey: Over half of survey respondents believe that the Nigerian WASH sector is now generally more aware of WASH gaps, issues, and/or opportunities than two years ago. However, the majority of survey respondents were unsure as to whether the SNDP had directly contributed to this increase in awareness | The SNDP actively sought to identify gaps in the Niger Delta WASH sector and was an exploratory study. By involving WASH sector actors and stakeholders in the SNDP and targeting findings and recommendations to local WASH practitioners and organizations, knowledge gaps were identified and filled. Practitioners are looking for information and direction to address WASH issues, and the targeted recommendations presented by the SNDP are useful, practical, and accessible to fill this knowledge gap and influence the agenda |
| Nigeria’s WASH sector has enhanced capacity for knowledge sharing and learning Realized, unclear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Interviews: The SNDP supported enhanced knowledge sharing and learning by identifying the need for improved coordination of activities in the sector to make significant progress. The SNDP contributed to outcomes of sector engagement (e.g. via the WhastApp group) leading to the increased collaboration between WASH sector actors to minimise duplication. However, some practitioners remain sceptical of knowledge sharing practices as some organizations are unaware of work that is underway in the sector. Survey: The majority of respondents agree that WASH practitioners in Nigeria share information with and learn more from each other now than they did two years ago. However, most were unsure as to whether the SNDP contributed to greater information sharing, with some respondents being unaware of the SNDP. One survey respondent suggested that there remains no strong synergy among WASH practitioners and other key players in the sector | Prior to the SNDP, the Nigerian WASH sector worked in silos. However, it is suggested that the need for collective engagement across the relatively small WASH sector was an issue that was known before the start of the SNDP. WASH sector actors recognise the benefit of a WASH-oriented community of practice and are open to participating in one. By highlighting gaps, disseminating and sharing findings to participants, and presenting engagement options (e.g. WhatsApp group), the SNDP enhanced local capacity for knowledge sharing and learning |
| WASH sector explores technologies in high water table contexts Partially realized, unclear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Interviews: Practitioners suggested that the SNDP triggered creativity around innovation involving appropriate technologies for the Niger Delta region. However, in some cases, it is unclear to what extent the PI’s work directly affected the initiation of these external projects. Informants noted that appropriate technologies have not yet been identified as the sector is young and naïve – this remains a work in progress. Survey: The majority of survey respondents were neutral or unsure of whether the WASH sector is exploring technologies in high water table contexts. There was also overall uncertainty regarding whether the SNDP had contributed to any changes in the WASH sector regarding the exploration of suitable technologies | By raising the issue that there are currently no appropriate technologies for the challenging geographical context of the Niger Delta, the SNDP identified the need for follow-up and further exploration into the topic. By disseminating this knowledge through appropriate methods, including leveraging the PI’s networks with local WASH organizations, other WASH practitioners in the PI’s sphere of influence became aware of this gap, subsequently influencing the research agenda |
| Local governments have enhanced capacity for improved policy and effective WASH practice Partially realized, unclear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Interviews: There is limited evidence for this outcome as government informants were not accessible for interviews. Six federally-funded local universities in the Niger Delta offer capacity-building courses for local governments. Survey: Partnerships between government and civil society have been built to intervene in the WASH sector. From federal to LGA leaderships, there is now a greater focus on ending open defecation. It is unclear the extent to which this initiative is connected to the SNDP. Documents: Efforts have been made by agencies such as UNICEF to train RUWASSA to build local governmental capacity. However, there remains no regional resource that government staff or community members can turn to for resource information, certification, or skills development | Government actors; involvement in the data collection phases of the SNDP likely stimulated learning, reflection, and skills-building. By highlighting gaps and presenting engagement options (e.g. WhatsApp group), the SNDP facilitated the enhanced capacity for knowledge sharing and learning with actors in the PI’s sphere of influence. External initiatives have been implemented to enhance government capacity (e.g. federally-funded university courses, UNICEF training); however, the Nigerian context and LGA priorities have proven challenging. Moreover, the lack of political will and commitment at the national level are major barriers affecting the improvement of WASH in Nigeria. As a result of poor funding and low capacities to implement WASH projects, local governmental agendas do not prioritise WASH |
| PI’s professional development enhanced by research experiences Realized, clear project contribution [intermediate outcome] | Interviews: Informants connected the PI’s credibility and heightened expertise in WASH to the SNDP. The PI is in an advisory role for WASH practitioners and organizations, and is a source of information on WASH issues. The PI’s professional and practitioner skills and networks were improved, deepened, broadened, and heightened by completing the doctoral research. The SNDP provided the PI with more motivation to discuss sanitation as an urgent issue and priority for organizations. Academically, the PI quickly became adept at research communication and developing a sustained argument. Survey: The PI is now a main source of information for the WASH sector. Documents: A doctorate is a life-changing experience which has permanently changed the PI’s depth of understanding, perspective, and approach to future work on the topic | The PI generated and acquired opportunities for professional development by leveraging and enhancing their reputation through professional networks (including PIND) and by involving key WASH stakeholders in the data collection process. Coalitions were created and strengthened through this process, which provided the PI with the opportunity to share their knowledge and research findings to other system actors. By being immersed in the doctoral research process, the PI acquired knowledge, skills, and understanding to assist their future work in the topic |
| The PI has deeper understanding of issues in WASH and how to approach working in challenging contexts Realized, clear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Interviews: WASH insights that are captured within the SNDP, as well as learning to work in developing contexts that have arisen out of the research process, have placed the PI in a position where they are able to provide useful ideas and support to collaborations in sanitation in terms of uncovering challenges, filling gaps and designing solutions. The research process provided the PI with an opportunity to explore topical issues that they were passionate about and of value to their future work. Documents: The build-up of knowledge and expertise from the research experience reinforced the PI’s understanding of the topic and has provided them with more tools when working in regions outside of the Niger Delta who face similar sanitation challenges. This has permanently changed the PI’s depth of understanding | The PI built their own capacity through the research process by using methods which required them to immerse themselves in the research experience. The knowledge gained through the research process and findings, coupled with leveraging of the PI’s networks, have allowed the PI to continue working in contexts similar to those of the Niger Delta |
| Knowledge network of scholars and practitioners share development knowledge and facilitate knowledge-to-practice transformation (TI) Realized, clear project contribution [end-of-project outcome] | Interviews: The PI is now the executive director of Transform International (TI), which has a primary focus on WASH. Informants noted TI as one of the most substantial outcomes of the SNDP. TI works with a network of similar NGOs across developing countries to share best practices and sustainability knowledge. The PI turned their doctoral knowledge into action and continues to share their knowledge through TI with other practitioners working in different developing countries (e.g. Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Tanzania, and Bolivia) through a two-way knowledge exchange of best practices. Without the SNDP experience, it is unlikely that TI and its associated networks would have been formed. TI is noted to connect and align organizations working on a topic to improve efficiency and remove duplication of work. Documents: The PI is now the executive director of TI | By identifying the need for a knowledge sharing mechanism for the Niger Delta and other regions, the PI established an organization to share best practices and build-capacity of NGOs working in WASH. TI co-produces knowledge with practitioners who are experts across a multitude of fields to build capacity of local actors and facilitate knowledge-to-practice. This also supports coalition strengthening. By aligning TI’s work with the work of other NGOs, the PI contributes to sustainability in international development projects |
| Results | Illustrative evidence | |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome assessment | Summary of supporting evidence for the assessment | Contextual factors and causal mechanisms affecting how the outcome was realized |
| Informants’ participation in research prompts reflection on WASH | Interviews: Practitioner participants noted thinking more deeply as a result of the SNDP on how to support the development of the WASH sector and how to handle negative sanitation practices in riverine communities by considering solutions that are not conventional. The PI suggested that the interview and opportunity to discuss personal experiences may have been affirming for research participants | The PI facilitated the process of reflection by involving stakeholders in data collection and asking them about their WASH knowledge and practices (co-production of knowledge). Engagement with the research questions and other system actors through the WhatsApp group exposed informants to different perspectives and ways of thinking |
| PIND staff gain knowledge and capacities and apply them in related work | Interviews: PIND staff were aware of the SNDP which coincided with their own work. The SNDP presented new lenses to explore sanitation programing which have been adopted by PIND staff. The SNDP contributed to knowledge within PIND and has changed the way staff work on sanitation in riverine communities. However, it was suggested that PIND could have leveraged SNDP contributions further. | The PI simultaneously conducted their doctoral research while working at PIND. Through the PI’s managerial position at PIND, knowledge gained by the PI was transferred to PIND colleagues also working in the WASH sector (n.b., PIND works in many areas of community development, WASH being only one focus). Learning from the PI as a colleague (e.g. mentor relationship) increased PIND staff effectiveness and capacities. As a result of staff enthusiasm and dedication to improve their skills as WASH practitioners, PIND staff were motivated to apply SNDP knowledge and capacities to their work |
| Forum for WASH discussion grows | Documents: The PI played a leading role in the establishment of the WASH sector WhatsApp group which brings together practitioners and different stakeholders working in the Niger Delta to share knowledge and best practices. | Reflecting on their experience in the Niger Delta WASH sector, the PI identified the need for a mechanism for a community of practice for stakeholders and practitioners to discuss and engage with one another to share information. Prior to the SNDP, there was a lack of engagement and collaboration across the Niger Delta WASH sector which contributed to duplication and inefficient use of resources. By leveraging their networks and reputation within the WASH sector, the PI identified the benefit for practitioners and stakeholders to participate in the forum, which functioned as a community of practice or a coalition. Practitioners continue to engage in and use the forum, suggesting the WhatsApp continues to be a beneficial space for practitioners to participate |
| WASH sector recognizes WASH gaps, issues, and opportunities | Interviews: Practitioners connected contributions made by the SNDP supported the WASH sector in recognizing gaps, issues, and/or opportunities for the improvement of sanitation in the Niger Delta. The SNDP highlighted the need to explore appropriate technology options, the availability of materials within communities, and behaviour change. Practitioners have begun to prioritize the needs of individuals in riverine communities and new projects have stemmed from this recognition. The increase of information on the topic as well as the identified need to collate knowledge and research have supported practitioners’ abilities to identify gaps and ensure there is no duplication across projects. The SNDP provided a starting point for further work on the topic. | The SNDP actively sought to identify gaps in the Niger Delta WASH sector and was an exploratory study. By involving WASH sector actors and stakeholders in the SNDP and targeting findings and recommendations to local WASH practitioners and organizations, knowledge gaps were identified and filled. Practitioners are looking for information and direction to address WASH issues, and the targeted recommendations presented by the SNDP are useful, practical, and accessible to fill this knowledge gap and influence the agenda |
| Nigeria’s WASH sector has enhanced capacity for knowledge sharing and learning | Interviews: The SNDP supported enhanced knowledge sharing and learning by identifying the need for improved coordination of activities in the sector to make significant progress. The SNDP contributed to outcomes of sector engagement (e.g. via the WhastApp group) leading to the increased collaboration between WASH sector actors to minimise duplication. However, some practitioners remain sceptical of knowledge sharing practices as some organizations are unaware of work that is underway in the sector. | Prior to the SNDP, the Nigerian WASH sector worked in silos. However, it is suggested that the need for collective engagement across the relatively small WASH sector was an issue that was known before the start of the SNDP. WASH sector actors recognise the benefit of a WASH-oriented community of practice and are open to participating in one. By highlighting gaps, disseminating and sharing findings to participants, and presenting engagement options (e.g. WhatsApp group), the SNDP enhanced local capacity for knowledge sharing and learning |
| WASH sector explores technologies in high water table contexts | Interviews: Practitioners suggested that the SNDP triggered creativity around innovation involving appropriate technologies for the Niger Delta region. However, in some cases, it is unclear to what extent the PI’s work directly affected the initiation of these external projects. Informants noted that appropriate technologies have not yet been identified as the sector is young and naïve – this remains a work in progress. | By raising the issue that there are currently no appropriate technologies for the challenging geographical context of the Niger Delta, the SNDP identified the need for follow-up and further exploration into the topic. By disseminating this knowledge through appropriate methods, including leveraging the PI’s networks with local WASH organizations, other WASH practitioners in the PI’s sphere of influence became aware of this gap, subsequently influencing the research agenda |
| Local governments have enhanced capacity for improved policy and effective WASH practice | Interviews: There is limited evidence for this outcome as government informants were not accessible for interviews. Six federally-funded local universities in the Niger Delta offer capacity-building courses for local governments. | Government actors; involvement in the data collection phases of the SNDP likely stimulated learning, reflection, and skills-building. By highlighting gaps and presenting engagement options (e.g. WhatsApp group), the SNDP facilitated the enhanced capacity for knowledge sharing and learning with actors in the PI’s sphere of influence. External initiatives have been implemented to enhance government capacity (e.g. federally-funded university courses, UNICEF training); however, the Nigerian context and LGA priorities have proven challenging. Moreover, the lack of political will and commitment at the national level are major barriers affecting the improvement of WASH in Nigeria. As a result of poor funding and low capacities to implement WASH projects, local governmental agendas do not prioritise WASH |
| PI’s professional development enhanced by research experiences | Interviews: Informants connected the PI’s credibility and heightened expertise in WASH to the SNDP. The PI is in an advisory role for WASH practitioners and organizations, and is a source of information on WASH issues. The PI’s professional and practitioner skills and networks were improved, deepened, broadened, and heightened by completing the doctoral research. The SNDP provided the PI with more motivation to discuss sanitation as an urgent issue and priority for organizations. Academically, the PI quickly became adept at research communication and developing a sustained argument. | The PI generated and acquired opportunities for professional development by leveraging and enhancing their reputation through professional networks (including PIND) and by involving key WASH stakeholders in the data collection process. Coalitions were created and strengthened through this process, which provided the PI with the opportunity to share their knowledge and research findings to other system actors. By being immersed in the doctoral research process, the PI acquired knowledge, skills, and understanding to assist their future work in the topic |
| The PI has deeper understanding of issues in WASH and how to approach working in challenging contexts | Interviews: WASH insights that are captured within the SNDP, as well as learning to work in developing contexts that have arisen out of the research process, have placed the PI in a position where they are able to provide useful ideas and support to collaborations in sanitation in terms of uncovering challenges, filling gaps and designing solutions. The research process provided the PI with an opportunity to explore topical issues that they were passionate about and of value to their future work. | The PI built their own capacity through the research process by using methods which required them to immerse themselves in the research experience. The knowledge gained through the research process and findings, coupled with leveraging of the PI’s networks, have allowed the PI to continue working in contexts similar to those of the Niger Delta |
| Knowledge network of scholars and practitioners share development knowledge and facilitate knowledge-to-practice transformation (TI) | Interviews: The PI is now the executive director of Transform International (TI), which has a primary focus on WASH. Informants noted TI as one of the most substantial outcomes of the SNDP. TI works with a network of similar NGOs across developing countries to share best practices and sustainability knowledge. The PI turned their doctoral knowledge into action and continues to share their knowledge through TI with other practitioners working in different developing countries (e.g. Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Tanzania, and Bolivia) through a two-way knowledge exchange of best practices. Without the SNDP experience, it is unlikely that TI and its associated networks would have been formed. TI is noted to connect and align organizations working on a topic to improve efficiency and remove duplication of work. | By identifying the need for a knowledge sharing mechanism for the Niger Delta and other regions, the PI established an organization to share best practices and build-capacity of NGOs working in WASH. TI co-produces knowledge with practitioners who are experts across a multitude of fields to build capacity of local actors and facilitate knowledge-to-practice. This also supports coalition strengthening. By aligning TI’s work with the work of other NGOs, the PI contributes to sustainability in international development projects |
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