Policy and Influence

We inform policy making at global, national and local levels so that decisions made are of maximum benefit to the poorest and most vulnerable people.

We might start small, but we think big.

We analyse the factors that can change the underlying systems and identifying where we are best placed to effect change.

We convene and collaborate with more widely – governments, international organisations, and increasingly the private sector – to help take proven solutions to the next level of scale and sustainability.

Our policy and advocacy work focuses on the same four areas as our work with communities. Agriculture, urban water, sanitation and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy access. Everything we do has big change in sight – challenging the status quo to help change the systems that perpetuate vulnerability.

Our key policy areas

Our policy work contributes to 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and is underpinned by our commitment to tackle catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality.

Agriculture

Farming that works

We make agriculture work better for struggling smallholder farmers, so they can adapt to climate change and achieve a good standard of living.

Our policy and practice objectives relate to improving the understanding and use of agroecological methods for smallholder farmers by national governments, donors, development agencies and the private sector.

More farming that works

Energy access

Energy that transforms

Harnessing the transformational power of clean, affordable energy and reducing avoidable deaths caused by smoke from indoor stoves and fires.

A key focus of our work is to boost and grow off-grid energy access markets. An example is by working with energy businesses, entrepreneurs (particularly women) and communities to install refrigeration units in rural smallholder farms.

More energy that transforms

WASH and waste management

Cities fit for people

Making cities in developing countries cleaner, healthier and fairer places for people to live and work.

We argue that delivery models need to create space for the informal sector. All while working to change systems so that slum and low-income residents have the services they need, and can hold decision-makers to account.

More cities fit for people

Climate resilience and disasters

Resilience that protects

For vulnerable people whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by climate related and natural hazards.

We call on governments and other key stakeholders to integrate climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into their policies.

More resilience that protects

Our work with local authorities and delivery partners in Bangladesh has influenced national policy.

Informal waste and sanitation work is now included under the category of ‘hazardous work’ giving those workers access to an important national Labour Welfare fund from which they were previously excluded.

Tens of thousands of informal workers now have more rights and opportunities, as well as the confidence to further improve their circumstances.

Practical theory

We work hand in hand with local communities, publishing the best thinking from the brightest minds and providing technical expertise to change-makers.

Browse all resources