MO WASH COMPANY Proposal
MO WASH COMPANY Proposal
2. Unemployment Challenges:
Odisha has a significant youth population, with around 32% of the state's population
falling in the age group of 15-29 years (Census of India, 2011).
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted in 2019-20, Odisha
had an unemployment rate of approximately 7.6%, with higher rates among the youth.
Limited employment opportunities exacerbate the problem of underemployment and
informal labor, leading to income insecurity and poverty in the region.
Promoting entrepreneurship among the youth can contribute to economic growth and
job creation. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS) 2016-17, the share of
self-employed youth in India was around 54%.
Youth-led enterprises can play a crucial role in addressing local challenges, fostering
innovation, and promoting sustainable development.
Skills development and vocational training programs are essential for equipping youth
with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to succeed as entrepreneurs or in the
job market.
By addressing the WASH challenges, unemployment, and climate change impacts with the
proposed project, Odisha can significantly improve access to clean water and sanitation,
create sustainable employment opportunities, and enhance resilience to climate-related risks.
These efforts would positively impact the health and well-being of the population, promote
economic development, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the state.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Entrepreneurship Livelihoods and Skilling (ELS) program for Water
Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate Change can be outlined as follows:
4- Skill Development and Capacity Building: The ELS program emphasizes skill
development and capacity building in the WASH sector. It aims to provide
training and vocational education to individuals interested in entrepreneurship or
employment in the WASH field. The program focuses on equipping individuals
with technical skills, management expertise, and knowledge of best practices in
WASH and climate change adaptation. By enhancing the skills and capacity of
individuals, the program seeks to create a skilled workforce that can contribute to
the sustainable development of the WASH sector.
5- Promoting Climate Resilience: The program recognizes the need to build
climate resilience in the WASH sector. It aims to support entrepreneurs and
enterprises that integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into
their operations. This may involve implementing nature-based solutions,
improving water resource management, and adopting innovative technologies that
are resilient to climate impacts. By promoting climate resilience, the program
aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of WASH services in
the face of climate change.
6- Improve Access to WASH Products and Services: The project aims to make
WASH products and services more affordable and accessible, particularly for low-
income households. By promoting competition among suppliers and facilitating
the E Platform MO WASH Company, the project seeks to bring down prices,
improve the quality of WASH products, and increase access to communities in
rural areas.
7- Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6: The project aligns with SDG
Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of
water and sanitation for all. By strengthening WASH service delivery, the project
aims to contribute to improved health outcomes for communities, children, and
youth in the targeted districts of Odisha.
Overall, the objectives of the ELS program for WASH and Climate Change in Odisha
encompass empowering youth, enhancing WASH infrastructure, promoting sustainable
practices, developing skills and capacity, and building climate resilience. Through these
objectives, the program seeks to address the interlinked challenges of unemployment,
inadequate WASH services, and climate change impacts, while fostering entrepreneurship
and sustainable development in the region.
Vision:
The project envisions a transformed future in Odisha, where every individual has access to
clean water, improved sanitation, and proper hygiene practices. It aims to empower youth
through entrepreneurship, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering economic growth.
Additionally, the project seeks to build climate resilience in communities, ensuring their
ability to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Overall, the vision is to create
a sustainable and prosperous future for Odisha, addressing WASH challenges, promoting
youth empowerment, and enhancing climate resilience.
Overall, the project addresses these problem statements by focusing on improving WASH
infrastructure, generating employment opportunities through entrepreneurship and skill
development, and building climate resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Need of the Project:
4- Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development principles emphasize the need to adopt environmentally
friendly and socially inclusive practices. By integrating sustainable technologies and
nature-based solutions, the project aims to reduce the environmental impact of WASH
infrastructure and promote long-term sustainability.
Sustainable practices can contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction. The
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasizes that sustainable
development can help create new business opportunities, increase incomes, and foster
resilient communities.
5- Equity and Social Justice:
Addressing inequalities in access to WASH services is crucial. Marginalized and
vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and rural communities, often face
disproportionately limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
Ensuring equitable access to WASH services and opportunities can promote social
justice, empower marginalized groups, and contribute to inclusive development.
By addressing the need for improved WASH services, employment generation, climate
change resilience, sustainable development, and social justice, the project aims to create a
brighter future for Odisha. The inclusion of data and statistics highlights the magnitude and
urgency of the challenges, further emphasizing the significance of the project's objectives.
Stakeholders:
The primary target group(s) or community(ies) to benefit from the project "Entrepreneurship
Livelihoods and Skilling (ELS) for Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate
Change" are:
Government Authorities and Agencies: Government bodies at the national, state,
and local levels play a crucial role in policymaking, resource allocation, and providing
regulatory frameworks for WASH infrastructure development, employment
generation, and climate change resilience. They are important stakeholders in terms of
policy support, funding, and coordination.
Local Communities and Beneficiaries: The project directly impacts local
communities and beneficiaries in Odisha who will benefit from improved WASH
services, employment opportunities, and climate resilience. Their active participation,
engagement, and feedback are crucial for successful implementation and sustainable
outcomes.
Youth and Entrepreneurs: The youth population and aspiring entrepreneurs are key
stakeholders in the project. They are the target beneficiaries of entrepreneurship and
skill development programs, as well as potential contributors to the WASH sector's
growth and innovation. Engaging and empowering them is essential for sustainable
development and economic growth.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs and community-based
organizations working in the fields of WASH, youth empowerment, and climate
change play a vital role as stakeholders. They bring expertise, local knowledge, and
grassroots-level engagement to support the project's implementation, ensure
community participation, and address specific needs and challenges.
Private Sector: Private companies and businesses, particularly those involved in the
WASH sector, can be important stakeholders. They may contribute to infrastructure
development, technology transfer, employment generation, and innovative solutions.
Engaging the private sector can leverage resources, expertise, and market-driven
approaches for sustainable development.
Academic and Research Institutions: Academic institutions, research organizations,
and think tanks contribute to the project as stakeholders. They provide valuable
knowledge, research insights, technical expertise, and capacity-building support.
Collaboration with academia and research institutions can facilitate evidence-based
decision-making and promote innovation in the project.
Donors and Funding Agencies: Donors, philanthropic organizations, and
international funding agencies play a significant role as stakeholders. Their financial
support, technical assistance, and expertise contribute to the project's implementation,
scale-up, and sustainability. Engaging these stakeholders is crucial for securing
resources and mobilizing support.
Civil Society and Community-Based Organizations: Civil society organizations,
community-based organizations, and grassroots movements represent the voice and
interests of communities. They advocate for transparency, accountability, and the
rights of marginalized groups. Involving these stakeholders ensures community
ownership, inclusivity, and social equity.
Media and Communication Organizations: Media outlets, journalists, and
communication organizations are key stakeholders for spreading awareness, sharing
project updates, and disseminating information about the importance of WASH,
entrepreneurship, and climate change resilience. Their involvement can help create a
wider impact and reach a broader audience.
Community Leaders and Influencers: Local leaders, community elders, and
influencers have significant influence and credibility within communities. Engaging
them as stakeholders can help foster community participation, gain trust, and promote
behavior change related to WASH practices, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.
Monitoring and Evaluation Experts: Stakeholders specializing in monitoring and
evaluation provide critical insights and guidance for assessing project progress,
outcomes, and impacts. Their involvement ensures effective monitoring of project
activities, identifies areas for improvement, and measures the project's success against
defined indicators.
Engaging these additional stakeholders broadens the project's reach, expertise, and
impact. Collaboration and cooperation among diverse stakeholders are essential for
successful implementation, sustainability, and creating lasting positive change in Odisha,
India.
THE PROGRAMME STANDS ON FOUR MAIN PILLARS
The four pillars lead to building new knowledge & skillsets, develop mind-sets, meet like-
minded people, be a part of the community, be challenged & questioned and be
driven to take action.
Challenges:
The Entrepreneurship Livelihoods and Skilling (ELS) project for Water Sanitation and
Hygiene (WASH) and Climate Change may encounter several challenges, including:
Limited Awareness and Knowledge: One of the primary challenges is the lack of
awareness and understanding among communities about the potential of
entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities in the WASH sector. Many
individuals may not be familiar with the concept of entrepreneurship or the skills
required for starting and managing a business.
Access to Finance and Resources: Access to finance and resources is a common
challenge for entrepreneurs, particularly in marginalized communities. Limited
access to capital, loans, and infrastructure may hinder the establishment and
growth of WASH-related businesses. Identifying sources of funding and providing
financial support to entrepreneurs can help overcome this challenge.
Technical Skills and Training Gaps: Developing the necessary technical skills
and expertise in the WASH sector is crucial for successful entrepreneurship.
However, there may be skill gaps in areas such as water treatment, sanitation
technology, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Providing targeted training and
capacity-building programs can address these gaps.
Market Dynamics and Demand: Entrepreneurs need to understand market
dynamics, customer needs, and demands in the WASH sector. Identifying viable
business opportunities and ensuring a sustainable market for WASH products and
services can be challenging, particularly in rural or underserved areas where
affordability and willingness to pay may be limited.
Regulatory and Policy Environment: Navigating complex regulatory
frameworks and compliance requirements can pose challenges for entrepreneurs.
Inconsistent policies, licensing procedures, and bureaucratic hurdles may create
barriers for setting up and scaling WASH-related businesses. Engaging with
government authorities and advocating for favorable policies can help address
these challenges.
Behaviour Change and Community Engagement: Promoting behavior change
related to water sanitation, hygiene practices, and climate resilience can be
challenging. Overcoming deep-rooted cultural beliefs, traditional practices, and
resistance to change requires effective community engagement strategies,
awareness campaigns, and continuous education.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Climate change impacts, such as
extreme weather events and resource scarcity, pose additional challenges for
entrepreneurs in the WASH sector. Incorporating climate resilience strategies,
technologies, and practices into business models can be complex and require
specialized knowledge and resources.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of
entrepreneurship and livelihood initiatives can be challenging. Developing
appropriate indicators, data collection mechanisms, and evaluation frameworks is
essential to assess the impact and sustainability of the project and make informed
decisions for future interventions.
- Reducing Digital Divide: The project aims to achieve significant outcomes in reducing
the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion. It seeks to provide marginalized and
disadvantaged communities with increased access to digital devices and reliable internet
connectivity. By improving digital literacy skills, individuals will be empowered to
navigate and utilize digital technologies effectively, particularly in relation to WASH
and climate resilience. The project also targets the economic empowerment of
marginalized groups through digital participation and engagement in the digital
economy. The project aims to bridge disparities in digital access and usage across
regions and socioeconomic groups. It also seeks to raise awareness among stakeholders
about the importance of digital inclusion, leading to policy changes and collaborative
efforts to address the digital divide. Ultimately, the project envisions an inclusive society
where digital technologies are accessible to all, contributing to sustainable development,
social progress and equal opportunities to all.
- Enhanced Capacity for Equitable WASH Services: By 2027, the government and its
partners will strengthen their capacity to plan, implement, and monitor inclusive and
sustainable sanitation and hygiene services. This will be accomplished through the
adoption of participatory development and humanitarian approaches, ensuring that the
needs of all communities, including vulnerable populations, are met.
- Improved Access to Climate-Resilient Drinking Water Services: By 2027, the
government and its partners will enhance their capacity to provide climate-resilient,
gender-responsive, and safely managed drinking water services to all. This will involve
implementing strategies and technologies that mitigate the impacts of climate change,
while promoting gender equality and inclusivity in water service delivery.
- Establishment of WASH Marketplace: The project will facilitate the establishment of
a WASH Marketplace in collaboration with local private and government institutions.
This marketplace will serve as a platform for promoting WASH entrepreneurship and
employment opportunities in Odisha. By fostering partnerships and creating a conducive
ecosystem, the project will support the growth of WASH-related businesses, creating
sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the local economy.
- Youth Sensitization on WASH and Climate Change through WASH SCHOOL: The
project will prioritize youth sensitization programs on WASH and climate change in the
state. Through targeted awareness campaigns, training workshops, and educational
initiatives, young individuals will be equipped with knowledge and skills to become
advocates for WASH practices and climate action in their communities. This will
empower the youth to actively participate in addressing WASH challenges and
promoting climate resilience.
- PAGA 2.0: Developing Climate Action Ecosystem: The project will spearhead the
development of the Participatory Action for Green Action (PAGA) 2.0 initiative in
Odisha. This program aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for climate action,
bringing together government agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, and
communities. Through collaboration and innovative approaches, PAGA 2.0 will promote
sustainable practices, resilience-building measures, and climate change mitigation
strategies in the state.
- Improved Access to WASH Services: The project's interventions will lead to increased
access to safe water, improved sanitation facilities, and better hygiene practices for
communities across Odisha. This will contribute to improved health outcomes, reduced
waterborne diseases, and enhanced overall well-being.
- Sustainable and Resilient WASH Infrastructure: Through the project's focus on
climate resilience and environmental sustainability, there will be an establishment of
WASH infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This includes the
implementation of innovative technologies, water resource management practices, and
infrastructure designs that are adaptable to changing environmental conditions.
- Economic Empowerment and Job Creation: The project's emphasis on
entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and skilling will result in the creation of sustainable
employment opportunities in the WASH sector. This will empower individuals,
particularly youth and women, to generate income, improve their livelihoods, and
contribute to the local economy.
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: The project's commitment to gender-
responsive and inclusive approaches will contribute to advancing gender equality and
social inclusion. Women will be actively involved in decision-making processes, benefit
from improved WASH services, and have equal access to employment and
entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Enhanced Climate Resilience: By integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation
measures into WASH practices, the project will contribute to building climate resilience
in Odisha. This includes promoting water conservation, sustainable water management,
and disaster preparedness, thereby reducing the vulnerability of communities to climate-
related risks.
- Knowledge Sharing and Replicability: The project's focus on monitoring, evaluation,
and learning, as well as the documentation of lessons learned, will contribute to
knowledge sharing and replication of successful strategies and practices. This will
enable other regions and organizations to benefit from the project's experiences, leading
to wider-scale impact in the WASH and climate change sectors.
- Number of State Annual Implementation Plans for Sanitation (SBM / ODF+) with a
focus on equity, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability reaching an 80%
achievement rate.
- Number of UNICEF supported states with an annual action plan to increase capacity for
WASH gender-sector readiness for disaster management in all settings (including
conflict and climate change) reaching an 80% achievement rate.
- Number of districts provided handholding support and assistance through the
management of the developed Mo WASH Company in solving problems related to
water, sanitation, solid waste management, and hygiene.
- Number of potential WASH service providers mapped and capacitated, integrated into
the Mo WASH Company to solve WASH-related issues in the districts of Odisha.
- Number of Foot Soldiers created at the Gram Panchayat level to support the
operationalization of the Mo WASH Company in the districts of Odisha.
- Number of stakeholders (suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs) sensitized
and integrated to strengthen the Mo WASH Company and develop it as an industry
association body for WASH-based goods and services.
- Number of people reached through communication products/posts designed and
disseminated to support the scalability of the Mo WASH Company.
- Number of individuals and groups sensitized through community outreach activities for
increased opportunities and client base for the Mo WASH Company in the district.
- Number of individuals or groups availing services and products through the Mo WASH
Company, benefiting the service providers and other stakeholders in the districts.
- Number of youths capacitated on WASH guardianship and engaged in community
sensitization.
- Number of potential persons identified as Youth Champions on Climate Change.
- Number of OPCC (Odisha State Action Plan on Climate Change) reports developed in
two districts of Odisha.
- Number of stakeholders (CSO/development partners, institutions) engaged and
participating in Odisha climate action.
- Number of schools developed for WASH compliance and climate resilience.
Partnerships and Collaboration-
The project involves collaboration with various key stakeholders, partners, and potential
collaborators, including:
1- Government Agencies:
Name About Logo
NITCON Limited NITCON Limited
collaborates with the
project to provide technical
expertise and support in
planning and
implementing sanitation
and hygiene initiatives.
District Administration The District
Angul Administration of Angul
plays a crucial role in
facilitating the project's
activities within the
district, providing
necessary approvals, and
ensuring coordination with
local government
departments.
Jagatsinghpur district Jagatsinghpur district
administration administration actively
collaborates with the
project to extend the reach
of sanitation and hygiene
services within their
jurisdiction.
2- Corporate Partners:
Name About Logo
Lixil Lixil, a corporate partner,
contributes to the project
by providing expertise in
sanitation technology and
product innovation. They
collaborate to improve
access to safe and
sustainable sanitation
solutions.
SATO SATO, another corporate
partner, works closely
with the project to
develop and distribute
sanitation products and
solutions. Their
contribution focuses on
increasing access to
hygienic toilet facilities.
3- Technical Partners:
Name About Logo
Robogalactic Robogalactic, a technical
partner, brings their
expertise in technology
and innovation to the
project. They collaborate
on developing innovative
solutions for sanitation and
hygiene challenges.
Cycloo Cycloo, a technical
partner, contributes to the
project by providing
expertise in waste
management solutions and
promoting circular
economy practices.
4- Microfinance Institutions:
Name About Logo
Swayamshree Swayamshree, a
microfinance
institution,
collaborates with the
project to provide
financial services and
support to
entrepreneurs and
individuals engaged in
the sanitation and
hygiene sector.
Gram Utthan Gram Utthan, another
microfinance
institution, works
closely with the
project to provide
microfinance services,
enabling access to
credit for small-scale
enterprises and
individuals in the
WASH sector.
Estimated budget for the Project:
Budget
Activit
About
y UNICE CSO
F
1,02,06,603
123,603.29
Risk & Proposed Mitigation Measures:
Programme interventions may encounter a variety of risks. This field outlines key risks
identified and proposed mitigation measures. These risks should inform programme
design and monitoring.
These proposed mitigation measures address various risk categories, including social and
environmental, financial, operational, organizational, political, strategic, and safety and
security risks.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning-
The project incorporates a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan to track
progress and assess the effectiveness of its interventions. The key components of the plan
include:
1- Monitoring Plan:
- Regular data collection on indicators such as beneficiary reach, training completion
rates, service utilization, and financial transactions.
- Establishment of reporting mechanisms for timely and accurate data collection from
partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
- Data analysis to track progress, identify challenges, and inform decision-making.
2- Evaluation Plan:
- Baseline and endline assessments to establish benchmarks and evaluate overall impact.
- Impact evaluation to assess long-term effects on beneficiaries and communities.
- Possible engagement of external evaluators for unbiased assessments.
The project's comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan ensures accountability,
measures progress, identifies areas for improvement, and incorporates lessons learned.
Through this iterative process, the project aims to enhance effectiveness and sustainability,
while also contributing to the wider WASH sector through knowledge sharing and evidence-
based practices.
Sustainability and Scalability:
1. Capacity Building:
- Training and capacity building programs for local stakeholders, including government officials,
community members, and service providers, to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to continue
implementing and maintaining WASH interventions even after the project's completion.
2. Institutional Strengthening:
- Collaborating with relevant government agencies and institutions to strengthen their capacity in
WASH planning, management, and governance. This includes promoting the integration of WASH
activities into existing government systems and policies for long-term sustainability.
3. Community Ownership:
- Empowering and engaging local communities to take ownership of WASH initiatives by involving
them in decision-making processes, promoting behavior change, and fostering a sense of
responsibility for the maintenance and sustainability of WASH infrastructure and services.
4. Financial Sustainability:
- Developing innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, user fees, and
community-based financing models, to ensure the availability of financial resources for ongoing
operation, maintenance, and expansion of WASH services beyond the project's lifespan.
- Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the progress and impact of the
project's sustainability efforts, identify challenges, and inform adaptive management strategies. This
will enable continuous learning and improvement of sustainability approaches.
- Documenting and sharing successful approaches, best practices, and lessons learned from the
project to facilitate replication and scaling up of sustainable WASH interventions in other regions and
contexts. This includes active engagement with relevant stakeholders, policy advocacy, and
knowledge dissemination.
By incorporating these elements into the project's design and implementation, it aims to
create a sustainable and scalable model for WASH interventions that can be replicated and
expanded to benefit more communities in the future. The focus on capacity building,
institutional strengthening, community ownership, financial sustainability, monitoring and
evaluation, and scaling up ensures the long-term impact and success of the project beyond its
initial phase.
Conclusion-
In conclusion, the proposed project addressing water sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
infrastructure, unemployment, and climate change in the state of Odisha, India, is a
comprehensive and innovative initiative aimed at creating a sustainable and resilient future.
By focusing on entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and skilling, the project seeks to empower the
youth and promote sustainable development.
The vision of the project, encapsulated in the catchy line "Empowering Youth, Transforming
Communities," highlights the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, creating
employment opportunities, and enhancing climate resilience in the region. The project
recognizes the need to improve WASH services, generate livelihoods, and address the
challenges posed by climate change.
Through activities such as establishing a digital platform for WASH services and skilling,
upskilling various professionals, creating WASH fellows at the local level, and implementing
a WASH Service on wheels, the project aims to ensure access to safe water, sanitation, and
hygiene practices, while promoting economic opportunities and environmental sustainability.
The project's stakeholders encompass a wide range of actors, including government agencies,
non-governmental organizations, local communities, private sector partners, and youth
representatives. Their collective participation and collaboration are crucial for the successful
implementation and long-term impact of the project.
However, the project also faces challenges, including limited resources, coordination issues,
and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation. To overcome these challenges, the
project incorporates mitigation measures across various aspects, including social and
environmental, financial, operational, organizational, political, strategic, and safety and
security.
In terms of outcomes and impacts, the project aims to improve access to WASH services,
enhance climate resilience, promote gender responsiveness, and create employment
opportunities. Key indicators such as the achievement rate of implementation plans,
utilization of the digital platform, youth capacity building, and stakeholder engagement will
be monitored to measure the project's success.
By implementing a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan, the project strives to
ensure accountability, track progress, incorporate feedback, and document lessons learned.
This iterative process will contribute to the project's effectiveness, scalability, and long-term
sustainability.
In summary, the project's holistic approach, emphasis on sustainability and scalability, and
commitment to empowering youth and transforming communities demonstrate its potential to
bring about positive change in water sanitation, livelihoods, and climate resilience in Odisha.
With the active involvement of stakeholders and the implementation of sound strategies, the
project holds promise for creating lasting impacts and serving as a model for similar
initiatives in the future.