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

Due to decentralization policy in Malawi, district government water offices responsible for providing direct support for water service delivery find themselves with an increase in devolved responsibilities but without the corresponding funds to carry them out. EWB has been implementing a strategy to advocate for a realistic devolution of funds to district level government to carry out the minimum direct support necessary to improve water point functionality. This approach is focused on the generation of specific evidence, as well as mapping and coordination of sector stakeholders to generate a feasible plan for an increase in devolved funds. This case study highlights the key lessons learned in advocating for more resources to an underfunded sector in a competitive resource constrained context where most sectors remain severely underfunded.