Advancing Localisation in WASH: Key Lessons from the Res’eau Evaluation of ACF-France’s Approach

Shifting Power: The Localisation Agenda in WASH

The humanitarian sector has long acknowledged that local actors play a central role in delivering effective and sustainable aid. However, moving from rhetoric to action requires a fundamental shift in power, funding, and decision-making. Recognizing this, Action Contre la Faim (ACF)-France commissioned Res’eau to conduct an independent evaluation of its localisation approach in WASH interventions across 21 countries. The study aimed to assess how well ACF has integrated localisation principles, the challenges local actors face, and the opportunities for a more equitable and sustainable partnership model.

Findings: Progress and Gaps in Localisation

Res’eau’s evaluation reveals promising advancements in ACF’s efforts to localise WASH interventions, yet also identifies key gaps that hinder full ownership and leadership by local actors.

• Decision-Making Power Remains Limited: While ACF has made efforts to involve local partners in project planning, many remain confined to implementation roles. Nearly 50% of ACF’s Heads of Department reported that local partners have only moderate influence over final decisions—especially in budget allocation, project design, and strategic planning. This dynamic creates a dependency on international actors, rather than fostering self-reliance.
• Short-Term Funding Constrains Local Growth: Despite commitments to equitable partnerships, ACF’s funding model remains a challenge. Only 35% of WASH budgets go directly to local actors, primarily for operational costs, rather than strategic initiatives or long-term capacity building. Furthermore, most funding agreements last less than two years, making it difficult for partners to develop institutional stability and financial autonomy.
• Capacity Building: Appreciated but Incomplete: Training programs are valued, with 69% of partners reporting that ACF training helped improve their WASH interventions. However, the study highlights a critical gap in advanced technical training. 75% of local actors expressed an urgent need for deeper expertise in areas such as climate change adaptation, water resource management, and fecal sludge management. Without targeted capacity-building efforts, local organisations struggle to take full leadership of complex WASH interventions.
• Localisation Policies Need Stronger Commitments: Unlike other INGOs that have fully embraced localisation, ACF has yet to sign key global commitments like the Grand Bargain. This lack of formal engagement slows down structural changes in funding allocation, partnership models, and decision-making frameworks that would empower local WASH actors.

Recommendations: How ACF Can Accelerate Localisation

Based on these findings, Res’eau has proposed clear, actionable recommendations for ACF-France to move beyond rhetoric and accelerate localisation in WASH interventions.

✅ Establish a Transparent Decision-Making Framework
Define clear roles and responsibilities for local partners, ensuring they have real influence in strategic planning and budget allocation rather than just operational tasks.

✅ Transition to Longer-Term Funding Agreements
Short-term project cycles create instability. ACF should prioritise multi-year funding agreements to help local actors build institutional capacity and financial independence.

✅ Invest in Tailored Technical Capacity Building
Beyond general training, ACF must develop long-term mentoring programs focused on technical WASH expertise, including climate resilience strategies, infrastructure development, and emergency response planning.

✅ Formalise Partnerships with MOUs and Strategic Agreements
Only 50% of ACF’s country offices have formal agreements with local partners. Establishing clear, structured partnerships will strengthen trust and accountability.

✅ Empower Local Leadership in Donor Engagement
Local organisations need direct access to funding opportunities rather than relying on ACF as an intermediary. Strengthening their visibility within the donor community is crucial for long-term sustainability.

✅ Adopt a More Strategic Role for ACF in WASH Localisation
ACF must transition from direct implementation to a support role, ensuring quality control, technical guidance, and advocacy connections for local partners—a model successfully used by other INGOs.

The Way Forward

The localisation agenda is not just about policy shifts—it’s about transforming power dynamics in humanitarian action. ACF-France has taken important first steps, but real change requires bold commitments. By implementing these recommendations, ACF can move towards a truly localised WASH sector, where communities have the skills, resources, and authority to lead their own interventions.

Res’eau remains committed to supporting organisations like ACF in navigating this transition, ensuring that local actors are at the center of WASH programming—where they belong.