scholarly journals The sanitation arc: an alternative examination of WASH behavior change

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Froggi VanRiper ◽  
Kory C. Russel ◽  
Daniel Tillias ◽  
Jessica Laporte ◽  
Erica Lloyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Continuous Access ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Ladder

Abstract A primary goal of the WASH sector is to facilitate transitions from open defecation to improved sanitation. Many residents of low-income countries desire improved sanitation but lack the resources to obtain or maintain access to toilets. For such persons, describing the goal as ‘behavior change’ implies a deficiency in mindset, failing to capture contextual factors affecting sanitation access. Furthermore, household circumstances affect movement both up and down the sanitation ladder, a phenomenon that the sector tends to overlook. This study, based on interviews with 308 former subscribers to Haitian container-based-sanitation service EkoLakay, tracks household sanitation access at four points in time: prior to subscribing, during the subscription period, immediately upon unsubscribing, and at the time of interview. We describe this movement through time as the ‘sanitation arc’. Prior to subscribing, households were more likely to practice open defecation or rely on non-household sanitation, and less likely to have private improved sanitation than the average urban Haitian. This distribution is reversed among former subscribers. Nearly half of former subscribers, however, could not afford continuous access to EkoLakay; 80% of involuntary terminations resulted in loss of access to private improved sanitation, and over one-third of these households reverted to open defecation.

scholarly journals Will Households Invest in Safe Sanitation? Results from an Experimental Demand Trial in Nakuru, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4462
Author(s):  
Rachel Peletz ◽  
Caroline Delaire ◽  
Joan Kones ◽  
Clara MacLeod ◽  
Edinah Samuel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Price Point ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Infrastructure ◽  
The City ◽  
Experimental Demand

Unsafe sanitation is an increasing public health concern for rapidly expanding cities in low-income countries. Understanding household demand for improved sanitation infrastructure is critical for planning effective sanitation investments. In this study, we compared the stated and revealed willingness to pay (WTP) for high-quality, pour-flush latrines among households in low-income areas in the city of Nakuru, Kenya. We found that stated WTP for high-quality, pour-flush latrines was much lower than market prices: less than 5% of households were willing to pay the full costs, which we estimated between 87,100–82,900 Kenyan Shillings (KES), or 871–829 USD. In addition, we found large discrepancies between stated and revealed WTP. For example, 90% of households stated that they would be willing to pay a discounted amount of 10,000 KES (100 USD) for a high-quality, pour-flush latrine, but only 10% of households redeemed vouchers at this price point (paid via six installment payments). Households reported that financial constraints (i.e., lack of cash, other spending priorities) were the main barriers to voucher redemption, even at highly discounted prices. Our results emphasize the importance of financial interventions that address the sizable gaps between the costs of sanitation products and customer demand among low-income populations.

scholarly journals Bias in the perceived prevalence of open defecation: evidence from Bihar, India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinyi Kuang ◽  
Erik Thulin ◽  
Sania Ashraf ◽  
Alex Shpenev ◽  
Upasak Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
False Consensus ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Consensus Bias ◽  
Actual Prevalence

People often form perceptions about how prevalent a behavior is in a social group. However, these perceptions can be inaccurate and biased. While persistent undesirable practices in low-income countries have drawn global attention, evidence regarding people’s perception of how prevalent these practices are is scarce. Among those harmful practices, open defecation in India remains a significant public health concern, where it perpetuates the vicious cycle of disease and poverty. In this study, we focus on measuring the perceived prevalence of open defecation among respondents in Bihar, India. We examined the bias in perceived prevalence, which is defined as a pattern of deviation from the actual prevalence of open defecation. Results showed that respondents who defecate in the open overestimate the prevalence of open defecation, whereas those who consistently use toilets underestimate it. This finding suggests a false consensus bias in the perceived prevalence of open defecation. Scholars, policymakers, and program implementers who seek to correct misperceptions about open defecation by broadcasting real prevalence should be aware of biases in the perceived prevalence and address them in behavior change interventions.

scholarly journals Moving up the sanitation ladder with the help of microfinance in urban Malawi

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Chunga ◽  
M. W. Jenkins ◽  
Jeroen Ensink ◽  
Joe Brown
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Stated Preference ◽  
Wealth Quintile ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Urban Settlements ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Ladder ◽  
Improve Access ◽  
Gain Access

Abstract We carried out a stated preference survey in Malawi to examine whether access to microfinance for sanitation would significantly increase the proportion of households upgrading to improved pit latrines or alternative improved sanitation technologies (urine diverting dry toilet, fossa alterna, pour flush). We presented a range of sanitation options at local market prices, initially without and then with a real microfinance option, to 1,300 households sampled across 27 low-income urban settlements in the two largest cities, Lilongwe and Blantyre. When we gave respondents a microfinance option, the proportion of households stating an intention to install improved and unimproved pit latrines decreased significantly, while the proportion stating an intention to upgrade to alternative improved sanitation technologies increased significantly. However, households in the lowest wealth quintile were more likely to state a preference for unimproved pit latrines, suggesting that the benefits of microfinance for sanitation may not accrue equally across wealth strata. Organisations seeking to improve access to safely managed sanitation by promoting alternative sanitation technologies would succeed if households have access to affordable alternative sanitation technologies and microfinance for sanitation. However, poorer households would need more affordable improved sanitation technologies, flexible microfinance options and possibly targeted subsidies to gain access to safely managed sanitation.

scholarly journals Getting a foot on the sanitation ladder: user satisfaction and willingness to pay for improved public toilets in Accra, Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 528-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Mariwah ◽  
Kate Hampshire ◽  
Constance Owusu-Antwi
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Low Income ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Running Water ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Potential Market ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Sanitation Ladder ◽  
Public Toilets

Rapid urban growth in developing countries has led to an increase in unplanned, high-density settlements dependent on public toilets for sanitation, yet we know relatively little about users' perceptions and concerns about such facilities. This paper seeks to explore user satisfaction and willingness to pay for improved sanitation services in Accra. Utilising a questionnaire, data were gathered from 245 users of public toilets in two low-income communities of Accra. 80.8% of users expressed overall dissatisfaction with the public toilets, the main areas of concern being: long queues and waiting times, unpleasant smells, dirtiness, concerns about security and lack of running water and soap. The majority of the respondents said that they would be willing to pay higher fees for improved services. Operators should take note of this and explore the potential market for building and maintaining high-quality public toilet facilities as a means to ending open defecation and getting on the first step on the sanitation ladder.

scholarly journals Physical and Social Demographic Factors Affecting Utilization of Pit Latrine in Tigania East, Meru County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
pp. 122-132
Author(s):  
Sylvia M. Nkatha ◽  
Eric M. Muchiri ◽  
Patrick Kubai ◽  
Jane Rutto
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pit Latrine ◽  
Social Demographic

Introduction: Globally, poor sanitation is the cause of childhood diseases. Annually, more than 19,500 people die from diarrhea of which 17,100 are children. Diarrhea, which accounts for 16% of deaths among the children below 5 years, is highly linked to open defecation (OD). Poor excreta disposal remains a major challenge to improved sanitation and hygiene in many communities of Kenya and therefore they continue to practice open defecation. Construction and utilization of a latrine at home is a protective factor for communicable diseases.  About 52% of the population practice proper utilization of latrine in low-income countries. Improper utilization of latrines leads to the contamination of the water sources. Availability of a pit latrine does not guarantee utilization because other factors like functionality and distance influence its use. Furthermore, the availability and use of the latrine depends on maintenance practices of the latrines and cleanliness as well as the quality of housing and household compound. Aims: To analyze the physical and social demographic factors influencing the utilization of pit latrines in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. Study Design:  The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya shown in Fig. 3. Household survey was carried out between June 2018 and December 2019. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 369 respondents selected by systematic random sampling from different households across the sub-county was utilized. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire administered in English and a spot observation checklist. All data generated was entered, validated and analyzed using SPSS using SPSS Software Version 23.  Descriptive analysis was done during the calculation of measures of central tendency and proportions. Regression analysis was used in the determination of any association between the socio-demographic factors and the utilization of latrines. Results: Ownership, location and functionality of the pit latrine were positively associated with utilization (OR=2.127, OR=1.53, OR=4.36, P=.00). Households that owned pit latrines were 2 times likely to utilize the pit latrines than those without a pit latrine. Moreover, household size, gender, and employment were positively related to utilization (R=0.502, P=.00). High construction costs challenges were 7 times linked to open defecation practices. Households with less than 6 members were 2.35 times more likely to utilize the pit latrine compared to those with 7-12 members (OR=2.35, X²=13.573, P=.00). Conclusion: Interventions should target households with more than 7 members. A call for partnerships between government and donors to improve household income, water sources, and sanitation practices in Tigania East Sub-County is necessary. A call for funding projects related to pour-flush pit latrines and wet technologies to enhance utilization.

scholarly journals Can open-defecation free (ODF) communities be sustained? A cross-sectional study in rural Ghana

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0261674
Author(s):  
Caroline Delaire ◽  
Joyce Kisiangani ◽  
Kara Stuart ◽  
Prince Antwi-Agyei ◽  
Ranjiv Khush ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural Ghana

Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) is a widely used approach to reduce open defecation in rural areas of low-income countries. Following CLTS programs, communities are designated as open defecation free (ODF) when household-level toilet coverage reaches the threshold specified by national guidelines (e.g., 80% in Ghana). However, because sanitation conditions are rarely monitored after communities are declared ODF, the ability of CLTS to generate lasting reductions in open defecation is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the extent to which levels of toilet ownership and use were sustained in 109 communities in rural Northern Ghana up to two and a half years after they had obtained ODF status. We found that the majority of communities (75%) did not meet Ghana’s ODF requirements. Over a third of households had either never owned (16%) or no longer owned (24%) a functional toilet, and 25% reported practicing open defecation regularly. Toilet pit and superstructure collapse were the primary causes of reversion to open defecation. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that communities had higher toilet coverage when they were located further from major roads, were not located on rocky soil, reported having a system of fines to punish open defecation, and when less time had elapsed since ODF status achievement. Households were more likely to own a functional toilet if they were larger, wealthier, had a male household head who had not completed primary education, had no children under the age of five, and benefitted from the national Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program. Wealthier households were also more likely to use a toilet for defecation and to rebuild their toilet when it collapsed. Our findings suggest that interventions that address toilet collapse and the difficulty of rebuilding, particularly among the poorest and most vulnerable households, will improve the longevity of CLTS-driven sanitation improvements in rural Ghana.

On-Site Sanitation Systems for Low-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 1055-1078
Author(s):  
Peter Appiah Obeng ◽  
Sampson Oduro-Kwarteng ◽  
Bernard Keraita ◽  
Henrik Bregnhøj ◽  
Robert C. Abaidoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
Sanitation Systems ◽  
Technical Capacity ◽  
Pollute Groundwater ◽  
Selection Of

On-site sanitation systems, the commonest sanitation technologies in low-income countries, are central to the elimination of open defecation in such countries. Nevertheless, their selection and application in the physical and socio-economic environment of low-income settings could be a complex and challenging task. Poorly designed and constructed facilities could pollute groundwater resources and create nuisances to the user and the general public. Meanwhile, local authorities in these countries often lack the human resource with the requisite technical capacity to analyse situations and recommend appropriate solutions. This calls for guidance in the most crucial technical decisions that affect the safe usage and environmental sustainability of on-site sanitation technologies. This Chapter reviews salient standards and guidelines for the selection of appropriate technologies, prevention of groundwater pollution, control of odor and fly nuisance, structural stability and safety of the latrine user.

scholarly journals Motorized 2-3 Wheelers Death Rates Over a Decade: A Global Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasin J Yasin ◽  
Michal Grivna ◽  
Fikri Abu-Zidan
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Road Safety ◽  
National Income ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Friedman Test ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background: Motorized 2-3 wheelers-related death are high due to the exposed body of the driver/passenger and the high speed. The United Nation (UN) Decade of Action for road safety aimed to reduce road traffic deaths by 50% by the year 2020. We aimed to study the factors affecting the death rates of motorized 2-3 wheelers injuried victims and whether the reduction of the death rates has met the UN target.Methods: Data were retrieved from the WHO Global Status Reports on Road Safety published over 2009 to 2018 which covered the years of 2007 to 2016. Studied variables included motorized 2-3 wheelers death rates, percentage of helmet-wearing rate, helmet law enforcement, speed law enforcement, gross national income per capita, vehicles/person ratio, motorized 2-3 wheelers/person ratio. A mixed linear model was used to define factors affecting the change of motorized 2-3 wheelers death rates over time.Results: Global mortality rates of motorized 2-3 wheelers increased by 6.5% over 10 years which was not statistically significant. Factors that affected mortality included GNI (p=0.025), motorized 2-3 wheelers per person ratio (p < 0.0001), percentage of helmet wearing rate (p=0.046), and the interaction between vehicle/person ratio and motorized 2-3 wheelers/person ratio (p=0.016). There was a significant increase in the death rates over time in the low-income countries (170.2 %, p=0.019, Friedman test), and middle-income countries (56.1 %, p < 0.0001, Friedman test), compared with a significant decrease in the high-income countries (17.8 %, p < 0.0001, Friedman test). Conclusions: Global mortality of motorized 2-3 wheelers has increased by 6.5% over a recent decade. The UN target of reducing death was not met. The increase was related to the increase of motorized 2-3 wheelers per person ratio and economic inequiety which has to be addressed globally. The economic global gap significantly impacts the mortality rates of motorized 2-3 wheelers.

scholarly journals Social accountability - Its position and potential in the development of Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ha Ta
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Social Accountability ◽  
Democratic Governance ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Critical Transitions ◽  
Early Adoption

<p>Civil society organizations in Vietnam are experiencing some critical transitions. As the nation is no longer on the list of low income countries, an increasing number of such organizations are changing their missions from alleviating poverty to promoting more democratic governance. ‘Social accountability’, as one of their most common employed approaches, is often the combination of civic engagement, evidence-based monitoring, and advocacy. Carrying with it the expectation of improving accountability in Vietnam, the approach is still a new, foreign-imported concept which will challenge and be challenged by particular contextual factors in the country.  This study examines the practices of social accountability in Vietnam to find out its position and potential in terms of development of the country. Promoting social accountability in Vietnam is often based on the assumption that the approach will improve government’s accountability, strengthening the state – citizen relationship. It is envisaged that the country will be eventually more open as a result. It is as yet an optimistic vision and will take time for practitioners to put in place. This study aims to analyse how early adoption of social accountability is affected by Vietnam’s contextual factors, to what extent it is affecting governance and increasing people’s participation, and what organizations can actually expect of social accountability.  The research aims to fill a gap in the literature regarding social accountability in Vietnam. As a new concept, social accountability is often introduced via materials provided by international organizations like World Bank and UNICEF. Most of the documents present successful cases of applying social accountability in other countries like India and Bangladesh, and countries in Latin America. Thus, a critical analysis of adopting social accountability in the Vietnam context is necessary to provide more insights for both practitioners and scholars on the topic.  Employing interviews as the key method, the study seeks input from key informants who are involved in the adoption of social accountability in Vietnam. From perspectives of government officials, development practitioners, and community members, the reality of practicing social accountability and how it is interacting and negotiating with other factors in society should be more clearly revealed. Practical expectations and recommendations to conceive of and practice social accountability in Vietnam are also suggested.</p>

On-Site Sanitation Systems for Low-Income Countries

2015 ◽  
pp. 319-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Appiah Obeng ◽  
Sampson Oduro-Kwarteng ◽  
Bernard Keraita ◽  
Henrik Bregnhøj ◽  
Robert C. Abaidoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
Sanitation Systems ◽  
Technical Capacity ◽  
Pollute Groundwater ◽  
Selection Of

On-site sanitation systems, the commonest sanitation technologies in low-income countries, are central to the elimination of open defecation in such countries. Nevertheless, their selection and application in the physical and socio-economic environment of low-income settings could be a complex and challenging task. Poorly designed and constructed facilities could pollute groundwater resources and create nuisances to the user and the general public. Meanwhile, local authorities in these countries often lack the human resource with the requisite technical capacity to analyse situations and recommend appropriate solutions. This calls for guidance in the most crucial technical decisions that affect the safe usage and environmental sustainability of on-site sanitation technologies. This Chapter reviews salient standards and guidelines for the selection of appropriate technologies, prevention of groundwater pollution, control of odor and fly nuisance, structural stability and safety of the latrine user.

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