Module

3.1
3.1 Dissemination Model & Program
Implementation

This module is an introduction to a proposed model that can be used to

implement a water, hygiene and sanitation program using the BioSand filter
technology. The aim of this model is to provide a framework for the
dissemination of the filter technology as well as to allow improvements to be
made to poor water and sanitation situations in developing countries. The
roles of various participants in a program are discussed.
Module 3.1 Dissemination Model and Program Implementation

3.1 DISSEMINATION MODEL & PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION...................................................1

THE CAWST DISSEMINATION MODEL...............................................................................................................2
DOWNSTREAM GROUPS......................................................................................................................................3
Local Trainers.........................................................................................................................................3
Filter Technicians / Micro Entrepreneurs...............................................................................................4
Program Organizers...............................................................................................................................4
Community Stewards..............................................................................................................................4
Community Health Institutions...............................................................................................................5
UPSTREAM GROUPS...........................................................................................................................................5

The CAWST Dissemination Model

In its efforts to best serve poor communities in developing countries, CAWST has identified
the need to work with a wide variety of organizations and to serve as a conduit for the
information between various groups.

A dissemination model has been created which is based on the evolution of events during the
dissemination of the BioSand filter in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, according to needs
identified on-site. CAWST learned recently that the BioSand filters are being disseminated in
a similar fashion in Nepal, even though we had not shared the model with organizations
involved in that initiative. This leads us to believe that this dissemination model is a natural
and sustainable model for achieving good results. As part of its model, CAWST has grouped
organizations it works with into the “Upstream” and the “Downstream” groups.

The “Upstream” group includes organizations and institutions who are interested in knowing
what and where needs exist in developing countries and are able to implement research
projects to address those needs.

The “Downstream” group involves all the groups that are required to sustainably distribute
water and/or sanitation technology at the grassroots level. These people know what the
technical water and sanitation (W&S) needs are in the country and at the community level,
but don’t necessarily have the capability to develop appropriate technologies or systems to
answer those needs.

CAWST’s role is to digest the research results, data on new technology and systems from the
“Upstream” and present the information that is pertinent to the local organizations in such a
manner as to be easily understood and applied in the field, through seminars and training.

Similarly, CAWST retransmits information from the “Downstream” to the “Upstream”

concerning new or discovered needs and feedback on the technologies or systems and
presents it to the appropriate organizations that may be able to assist. Research or
development of new or improved technology is then performed and fed to the Downstream
users.

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 Module 3.1 Dissemination Model and Program Implementation

Int. Voluntary Local Micro-

Organizations entrepreneurs
International Products
How to build/
Businesses install

Institutional
Best Practice Development
Development Community
How to Local NGOs Members
Infrastructure
develop
Universities Local Trainers community / Program & Education
Fundamental
Research CA capacity Organizer
Poor
Op &
How to
Consulting Maint. System promotion &
operate &
Research maintain Community Health
Community monitoring
Institutions Stewards
Local
consultants
Community Health
Institutions

UPSTREAM DOWNSTREAM

Downstream groups
In developing countries, CAWST feels it is most sustainable and appropriate to work with
local organizations, who have already established a reputation and a good relationship with
local groups and communities. These organizations are based in the country and have
knowledge of the culture, the political and social context, as well as where the needs are. The
first activity that CAWST undergoes is the search for an appropriate counterpart in the
country, whose role will be to receive training from CAWST on W&S and will in turn train
local organizations, micro-entrepreneurs and community stewards. This organization, which
we call the “local trainer” is key in ensuring the success of the dissemination of W&S
information and technologies and ongoing support at the grassroots level.

Local Trainers
CAWST trains the trainers. Once a local training structure is in place, the technology can
become sustainable within a local area with minimal outside support. The local trainers
could be one or two individuals or it could be a college or NGO that has a larger teaching
infrastructure. Trainers have the capability to teach local micro-entrepreneurs, program
organizers and community stewards.

Frequently the local trainer will start as a Program Organizer. After they have considerable
experience with their own programs, they will take on the role of a trainer.

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Module 3.1 Dissemination Model and Program Implementation

Filter Technicians / Micro Entrepreneurs

The local trainer will in turn provide training to local micro-entrepreneurs, who should be
individuals interested in developing a small business. These micro-entrepreneurs will learn
how to build and operate the filter, as well as how to manage a small business. They will be
responsible for the product and for after sales service, which provides a good incentive to
generate a good product. These micro-entrepreneurs may need to undergo further training
periodically to maintain quality. In addition to direct sales to poor community members, the
micro-entrepreneurs may sell filters to middle-class communities and to local NGOs who are
interested in subsidizing the filters for the poor communities.

Program Organizers
Another group that will be trained by the local trainer are program organizers, who will take
on the responsibility of organizing specific filter projects and the education of the end users
(community members). Program organizers can help identify and recruit good candidates for
micro-entrepreneurs and community stewards.

Some NGOs will also wish to subsidize and distribute the filters in poor communities.
If the community members can not afford to buy the filters, the program organizer may be
able to arrange financing or subsidies. Program organizers can also be sponsors for the
micro-entrepreneurs and community stewards, providing them support and encouragement.
Frequently, program organizers already have various programs in place and the BioSand
filter program can be added to the existing structure of the local NGO.

Program organizers may choose to accredit or certify their filter technicians and community
stewards in order to maintain control, to ensure the quality of the people and their work, and
to ensure that a successful program results. The filter technicians, community stewards, and
the local organizer can develop a contract together that is acceptable to all. The program
organizer commits to supporting them with materials, training, problem solving and
promotion, while the others commit to doing a good quality job, and following the program
organizer’s instructions.

Community Stewards
Local trainers or program organizers will train community stewards, who are people from the
communities that are interested in helping the users in the daily operation and maintenance of
their filters. They ensure that the filters are being used properly and are working well.
Frequently they are volunteers but can be workers of the local NGO. They may also be
community health care workers who are already making regular contacts and visits to the
community members.

The BioSand filter program can also be used as an entry point for community stewards to
start or expand a hygiene and sanitation program. They will help the program organizer keep
records of how the filters are being maintained and are able to correct minor operating
problems. While the community stewards know how the filters work, it is not necessary for
them to know how to construct the filters. The development of community stewards is an
opportunity to build community capacity and new leaders.

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Module 3.1 Dissemination Model and Program Implementation

Community Health Institutions

If a community health institution already exists, it is an important link in the dissemination
model. These institutions are the monitors of the health of the community. A good water
program using BioSand filters should make a substantial positive impact to the health of the
community members, which should be noticed and monitored by the health organization.

Upstream groups
CAWST will guide research in universities and research institutions already dedicated to
W&S. These institutions will in turn provide CAWST with necessary information that can be
used in developing countries.

CAWST has formed good relationships with International businesses that are interested in
corporate social responsibility and wish to develop good relations with communities located
in their area of intervention in developing countries. These corporations and businesses can
help CAWST identify good partners, local trainers and other organizations of interest to the
dissemination. They can also provide funding for some training initiatives.

International Voluntary Organizations can serve as program organizers when they have a base
in the developing country of interest, and can also help raise funds to subsidize filter
distribution. Many of these large NGOs are based in many countries and as such can help
disseminate W&S technologies quite rapidly.

Local consultants can be contracted to help with projects undertaken such as seminars and
technical consulting.

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