Project "Learning from AGUASAN"

On behalf of SDC - the Social Development Division and the Thematic Service Knowledge and Research - the Skat Foundation collected the knowledge and experiences of the members of AGUASAN and identified the success factors behind this longstanding community of practice.

A look back at Swiss development cooperation reveals the long-standing existence of many informal groups who regularly exchange knowledge and experience. Many of these groups could be called communities of practice.

AGUASAN, an informal grouping of Swiss specialists with a common interest in water and environmental sanitation issues, has been mentioned as a prime example of a community of practice many times. Since its establishment in 1984, AGUASAN has had two main activities. Firstly, every 3 months or so, the group members meet together to share information and knowledge. Secondly, AGUASAN holds a weekly workshop in Gersau every summer, bringing together project field staff, desk officers, researchers, experts and consultants for exchange and reflection on carefully selected and current development issues.