IFRC Guidelines to Software Tools for Long-term WASH programming – Summary

In 2007, IFRC launched the ‘Software tools for long-term water and sanitation programming’. This guide focussed primarily on the well-established community-based PHAST (Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation) methodology. In recent years, the number of National Societies implementing other community-based participatory approaches such as CLTS (Community Led Total Sanitation) and school-based approaches has grown rapidly. A number are implementing ‘hybrid’ or ‘mixed’ approaches.

In addition, the global ‘WASH landscape’ has changed, with increased evidence on what makes effective and sustainable programming. The Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, water scarcity and integrated water resources management are now necessary programming features.

Furthermore, particularly for National Societies who are auxiliary to their Governments in times of crisis, there is a growing need for improved coherency in programming across the ‘resilience continuum’. To strengthen resilience and risk reduction, WASH activities need to transition smoothly between relief, recovery, and development contexts.

A considerable amount of experience, knowledge and skills in WASH software exists within National Societies. This document aims to bring together those experiences, as well as evidence from the field (within and beyond the RCRC), and provide updated guidance for WASH Software in long-term programming.

This guideline is for Red Cross Red Crescent WASH staff and volunteers. The overall aim of the guide is to improve the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of long-term developmental WASH programming implemented by National Societies.