Sustainability

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of a coalition's relevance, as well as shifting sands of stakeholder agendas. However, many coalitions fail to consider sustainability as a key pillar.

"Most media and civil society collaborations lack the vision to effect lasting societal change. They are driven by short-term activities, largely funded by donors, that rarely provide for sustained transformative plans and activities. Thus, most coalitions have failed to see themselves as agents of enduring change." Dr. Haron Mwangl, former CEO of the Media Council of Kenya.

Considerations for the sustainability of a coalition:

• Borrowing from existing sustainable structures and mechanisms.

• Avoiding extraneous administrative structures when not mission critical.

• Diversifying sources of income.

• Sharing responsibilities and tasks among coalition members, instead of completely relying on a coalition leader.

• Seek synergies with other similar programmes.

Key findings on barriers to sustainability

• Donor dependence.

• Cop-opting of civil society leaders by government.

• Reliance on traditional engagement and communication methods.

• Waning interest among key stakeholders.