Water Communications and Knowledge Management (CKM) Project Bi-Annual Progress Report

The project, which began in 2015, is managed by ECODIT LLC under Task Order No. AID-OAA-TO-15-00046. The project's primary objective is to enhance the dissemination and utilization of knowledge and information related to water sector activities. The project is divided into three main components: Knowledge Management (KM), Communications, and Cross-Cutting Project Management Tasks. The KM component focuses on capturing, creating, and sharing knowledge and data related to water sector programming. This includes the development and maintenance of a database and tracking system for agency water programming, as well as the creation of ex-post evaluation series. The Communications component involves the development of external USAID website content, technical writing support for E3/W management operations, and support for E3/W to utilize social media and multimedia tools. This includes the publication of Global Waters magazine, dissemination of Water Currents, and the launch of #WorldSecureWorld photo contest. During the period of October 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018, the project achieved several notable milestones. The project hosted and facilitated a joint USAID/Department of State Global Water Strategy stakeholder meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace on March 13, 2018. The project also reached a total of 3.2 million followers on social media platforms with USAID-affiliated #WorldWaterDay 2018 content. In addition, the project published three issues of Global Waters magazine, featuring 13 pieces of content, including three podcasts and a photo essay. The project also disseminated 10 issues of Water Currents and published 18 blogs on Globalwaters.org. Furthermore, the project launched #WorldSecureWorld photo contest and finalized the Global Water and Development annual report for publication. The project also began fieldwork on the fourth ex-post evaluation of WASH projects in India and finalized the publication of all products related to the first two evaluations in the series (Madagascar and Indonesia). The project submitted drafts of the third evaluation (Ethiopia) and selected the fifth (Senegal). The project also launched four microsites on Globalwaters.org for global initiatives, developed and launched new website features, and updated all website content to reflect the U.S. Government Global Water Strategy. The project facilitated and hosted three webinars, providing marketing and follow-up support, which included creation of dedicated event pages on Globalwaters.org with an event synopsis and link to webinar recording. The project also expanded knowledge management activities to support two other USAID Offices/Bureaus, conducted original research on the water sector to inform Middle East water programming, and supported creation of an information sharing platform for emergency WASH practitioners. The project created more than 70 original tweets for @USAIDWater promoting key campaigns such as Global Handwashing Day, World Toilet Day, Global Partnerships Week, International Women's Day, and World Water Day. Routine social media outreach on Twitter and LinkedIn helped generate more than 10,000 views of Global Waters magazine and attract nearly 500 new @USAIDWater followers.