Community engagement and accountability (CEA)

Community engagement and accountability (CEA) is a way of working that integrates meaningful community participation, open and honest communication, and ways to listen to and act on feedback.

Community engagement and being accountable to communities is not something new or separate from WASH programming.

Community engagement in WASH

Participatory approaches and community engagement have been a large and fundamental part of WASH programmes for many years.

We know that when everyone in a community – regardless of their gender, age, disability or background – has their voice heard and is actively involved in designing and guiding WASH improvements in their community, the impact on health, dignity and resilience are greater.

Most National Societies already implement many of these actions within their WASH programmes, and have done for a long time. But – there is always room for improvement. Use these 14 key actions to ‘cross-check’ what is already included in your WASH programme, and to identify gaps or areas where CEA could be strengthened.

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Community engagement in WASH includes:

Asking and listening to people’s preferences on the design and location of WASH facilities
Discussing WASH related topics with people, through face-to-face, participatory activities and mass media approaches
Analysing local practices and socio-cultural context related to WASH, decision-making structures and power, and trusted communication channels
Enabling communities themselves to identify and implement practical WASH solutions for their situation
Collecting feedback from men, women, boys, girls, people with disabilities and other groups on WASH facility operation and maintenance, distributed hygiene materials, HP activities, etc