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Using Social Network Analysis in WASH Programs

Sectors:
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Authors:
Sustainable WASH Systems Learning Partnership
Year Published:
2019
Resource Type:
Tools & Manuals
Language:
English


Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a systems analytic tool for exploring relationships and networks. SWS in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Cambodia applied this tool to:

  •  Design and Plan WASH interventions:  Understanding the current structure of the network informed SWS program strategies, interventions, and partnership approaches.
  • Monitor WASH networks:  Repeated SNAs offered insight into how network characteristics and behaviors shifted over time, particularly efforts to foster collective action.
  • Strengthen WASH networks:  SNA helped local stakeholders consider the impacts of non-tangible factors on services,  such as their relationships with local government or the importance of information sharing  among stakeholders.