To address the wellbeing of the poor and the most marginalised groups, the partnership framework should aim to address livelihood needs by integrating a range of poverty-related activities. Typically, this means that the partnership must build in processes and activities that lead towards a more holistic approach and a more targeted poverty response. The nature of the activities that address livelihood needs will be dependent on the assessments carried out at the outset (see discussion and illustrative boxes in Chapter 5). This will also help disaggregate the poor, drawing attention to the poorest and most marginalised groups, and provide important information on gender issues in relation to service delivery. As a key part of the partnership strategy, this analysis will lead to context-specific solutions for improving water, sanitation or waste services.
It is likely that actions to establish the needs of the poor and to respond to these needs (through the activities described below) will involve a number of civil society individuals or organisations, whose knowledge and experience in working with communities will enable better understanding of needs and solutions. The municipality will then need to assimilate this information and consider the range of activities that might be included in the formal partnership arrangement, or which may be linked to that arrangement to achieve an integrated holistic poverty response. Various actors within the partnership framework will need to be allocated responsibilities in accordance with their competencies. The aim is not to ask an unwilling or unskilled private sector actor to take on too much, but to carry out linked activities within a composite framework and ensure that maximum benefit is gained.
In addition to the specific activities targeting the physical environment in relation to water, sanitation and waste services, the partnership may facilitate other health, social capital, income generation and financial service initiatives.