Harmonisation and alignment in water sector programmes and initiatives : good practice paper

This paper addresses three major issues: (a) to present an overview of lessons learned and experiences gained with achieving harmonisation and alignment (H/A) in practice; (b) to give insights into why and how achievements have been accomplished; and (c) to provide guidance and operational recommendations. It is based on the viewpoint of donor agencies and Danida in particular. The paper draws on experiences and lessons learned in Danida water programmes in Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, and from experiences from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The paper provides five major recommendations: 1. Take a low entry approach to harmonisation; 2. Avoid competing H/A processes; 3. Strengthen country leadership in aid management; 4. Strengthen country capacity to implement sector programs; 5. Extend harmonisation to non-governmental organisations (NGOs).