Supporting behaviour change and strengthening the WASH sector in the state of Guanajuato

The Guanajuato project is part of the Lazos de Agua Program. It is implemented by Living Water International along with the CEAG — who manages component A of this project as part of the State of Guanajuato’s multi-million-dollar rural water and sanitation program. It strengthens both the technical and the managerial capacities of committees and municipalities in the WASH area, fosters behaviour change, and improves community access to affordable, quality WASH products and services. The Guanajuato project is partnering with Habitat for Humanity in component C, while also partnering with artist groups Imaginartes, Tiliches del baúl, Cine Colectivo, and Machincuepa, to develop its Social Art for Behaviour Change (SABC) interventions.

Access

• The aim is to increase access to water and sanitation services that are safely and sustainably managed. This is done by building or improving infrastructure — in this case, water supply systems in 65 rural communities, and sanitation infrastructures in 25 rural communities.

Behaviour change

• This project fosters the following behaviours through SABC interventions: drinking water treatment and safe storage, handwashing with soap and water at key moments, and payment of the water and sanitation services tariffs.

Capital

• This project supports the emergent supply-chain of WASH-related services and goods, by granting up to US$75,000 in WASH-related micro-loans to approximately 500 people, and providing micro-financing and small-business training.