Ensure that emergency preparedness and response processes are sensitive to local WASH market systems, and use and support them when relevent and appropriate
Market based programming (MBP) has become a priority topic for the GWC since 2016. MBP for WASH consists in ensuring that WASH response are sensitive to local markets during all Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC) phases, and that market based modalities (CVA and marklet support) are used when relevant. While MBP covers many different aspects, this section relates only to tasks under the responsability of the coordination platform. For more information regarding MBP, refer to the 2019 GWC MBP guidance (including the MBP coordination chapter) and the 2020 GWC Evidence building for Cash and Markets for WASH in emergencies.
WASH markets
WASH market systems comprise all local private, public or community actors delivering WASH related goods or services, as well as the enabling infrastructure and regulating environment. Market based modalities include market support as well as Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA)
Establish partnerships to improve the preparedness level of local WASH markets
Many WASH market support modalities such as 'support to WASH policies' require long intervention time which make them more relevant during preparedness phase. To respond adequately to emergency demand, local market actors needs to be involved in the preparedness process. They need to be aware of the type and quantity of goods and services that will be required in emergency, and what of delivery mechanism will be used (e.g. electronic vouchers).
Build the capacity and preparedness level of WASH cluster partners to implement market-based modalities in emergency
Use of CVA for WASH in emergency requires institutional and programmatic readiness, as well an having established partnerships with other organizations and the public/private sector. The WASH coordination platform can build the sector capacity by organizing a MBP for WASH in emergency training designed by the GWC. A cash and market specialist (for instance from CashCAP) can also be seconded to support the WASH coordination platform.
Coordinate the assessments of key WASH markets
Pre-crisis or emergency market assessments are the cornerstone of the Market-Based Programming for WASH. Their role is to inform subsequent WASH response analysis and planning. Assessments are better conducted at cluster level to provide meaningful results for the response analysis. They also need to be coordinated with other sectors, as WASH market systems are connected with other markets such as labour or construction material. The WASH coordination platform can chose to implement market assessments through a third party such as REACH, or through an interagency mechanism.
Consider market-based modalities during response analysis and strategic planning
During the response analysis phase, the relevance, appropriateness and feasibility of various market and non-market-based response modalities is assessed by the sector coordinators, and the optimal combination of modalities identified and included in the implementation strategy. Interagency multi-modalities response analysis requires strong intercluster leadership, and can be challenging in rapid onset emergency because of limited time available.
Coordinate implementation of WASH market-based modalities with cash working groups
Some market-based modalities are WASH specific (for instance ‘hygiene vouchers’) and require sectoral coordination. But many market-based modalities are multisector by essence (for example multipurpose cash) which requires strong intersectoral coordination, often provided by Cash Working Group (CWG). The WASH coordination platform must represent WASH partners at CWG meetings and ensure information flow between CWG and WASH cluster meetings.
Cash Working Groups
Cash Working Groups (CWGs) have been set up in many countries, including some sub-regional CWGs depending on the context. CWGs are increasingly being formally established by, and integrated into, the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG). CWGs aim to coordinate actions related to CVA, to develop joint activities and tools (e.g. Market Assessments, Minimum Expenditure Baskets, etc.), and provide support to clusters implementing CVA.
Set up adequate monitoring and reporting system for market-based activities of partners
Market based modalities use specific processes and produce WASH outputs in an indirect way. When MBP is used, the WASH coordination platform should monitor related processes (# market actors supported, # vouchers/cash distributed for WASH etc.), which can be added to the standard 3W. The platform should also continue capturing WASH outputs and outcomes even when MBP is used, using standard WASH indictors such as # latrine constructed and used, quality and quantity of water used, use of hygiene items etc. To ensure that the response respect market-related standards, the Quality Assurance and Accountability system set up by the platform for the response can include a module on 'market awareness'.
Evaluate the effect of MBP on the WASH response outcomes and impacts
Although frequently used by other sectors, Market based Programming is still new for the WASH sector. More evidence is needed on the cost efficiency, effectiveness and impact of these modalities on WASH outcomes. Current MBP for WASH evidence and practice gaps can be found in the 2020 GWC MBP evidence-base study. During the response evaluation process, the WASH coordination platform must pay a special attention to market based modalities, ensuring that their effect is properly monitored and reported by partners, and coordinate with the GWC TWiG on cash and market the production of lesson learned documents.