This field note provides an overview of the WASH and health financing project that is being implemented in the state of Maharashtra, India – The Ecosystem Approach. The project integrates WASH behaviour change communication (BCC) with rural household microlending programs to drive household water and sanitation access through loans. This initiative aims to establish open defecation free (ODF) communities supporting the larger national programme, the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The Ecosystem Approach’s efficiency hinges upon harnessing thousands of field staff (those on the ground implementing the work like loan officers) – their deep reach – and building and utilising their training capabilities to create awareness and demand for WASH loans in the targeted areas.
UNICEF Maharashtra and Water.org (2021). An Ecosystem for WASH Microlending in India UNICEF Maharashtra and Water.org
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