Improving water point functionality in Malawi: making the case for minimum financing for direct support

Abstract

Due to decentralization policy in Malawi, district government water offices responsible for providing\ndirect support for water service delivery find themselves with an increase in devolved responsibilities but\nwithout the corresponding funds to carry them out. EWB has been implementing a strategy to advocate\nfor a realistic devolution of funds to district level government to carry out the minimum direct support\nnecessary to improve water point functionality. This approach is focused on the generation of specific\nevidence, as well as mapping and coordination of sector stakeholders to generate a feasible plan for an\nincrease in devolved funds. This case study highlights the key lessons learned in advocating for more\nresources to an underfunded sector in a competitive resource constrained context where most sectors\nremain severely underfunded.