This Agenda for Change Learning Note is prepared by IRC in consultation with partners involved in the District-Wide Approach, including the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure, the Water and Sanitation Corporation, Water For People and WaterAid. Between 2017 and 2019, the District-Wide Approach was piloted in five districts in Rwanda (Bugesera, Gicumbi, Karongi, Ngororero and Nyamagabe) and this Learning Note draws on practical experiences from these pilot districts.
After introducing the District-Wide Approach concept, the note evaluates its use in the five districts, according based on the OECD-DAC criteria: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. The approach was found to be a relevant and effective approach although it does require sufficient financial and human resources. The note concludes with recommendations for scaling up the District-Wide Approach.