Alternative Approaches to Management of Excreta: an Assessment of the Factors That Have Led to Household Choice and Adoption of Ecological Sanitation (ECOSAN) in Wajir
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Date
2007Author
Mulonga, Julie Kavuka
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Sanitation is important not only for its direct impacts on health, but also for its
contribution to improved living environments, human dignity and to improved
education outcomes. In spite of this, sanitation coverage is low especially in the
developing countries. One way of increasing sanitation coverage is to consider
new and holistic options with a focus on economically feasible and
environmentally friendly systems to improve environmental sanitation and
hygiene. One such option is Ecological sanitation (ECOSAN). However, there has
been no documentation on the factors that have led to the choice of ECOSAN in
different parts of Kenya such as Wajir in North Eastern Province. These factors
can be taken into consideration before ECOSAN can be rolled out to many other
parts of the country. This can contribute towards achievement of sustainable
sanitation improvement.
The aim of this study was to identify factors that have led to households' choice
and adoption of ECOSAN in Wajir. A sample of 48 households in Wajir
Township that were piloting the toilets (adopters) were chosen through simple
random sampling. The independent variables considered in the assessment were
gender, age groups and factors of choice. Dependent variables considered
included choice of or preference for ECOSAN by, the household and use of
ECOSAN by the household members. The data collection tools included
household interviews using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions
(FGDs) and observations to answer descriptive research questions. Hypotheses
were tested using the Kruskal Wallis test.
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The study found out that apart from health and hygiene considerations, people
also seek other benefits when choosing ECOSAN. Important choice factors for
men include prestige and the fact that the toilet is durable and permanent. For
women important choice factors include privacy and the fact that the ECOSAN
toilet is attractive. Availability of subsidies was found to have equal importance
for all household members when choosing ECOSAN. The study also found that
there are various factors that would hinder the adoption of the ECOSAN toilets,
which include limited financial resources, lack of awareness, misunderstandings
and socio cultural aspects. Although household members preferred the ECOSAN
toilet to other modes of sanitation, it was only the adults that made full use of the
toilet while children less than 3 years old, the disabled and the elderly did not
make full use of it.
The study recommends that ECOSAN is a good sanitation option that
governments should support but there is a need for guidelines for ECOSAN
programs and updating of relevant policies and legislation. Social marketing can
also be used to market the benefits of the ECOSAN toilet to allow for wider
promotion of the ECOSAN technology. In addition, subsidies are important to
attain increased coverage. The study recommends further research into
variations within the present ECOSANtechnology to ensure that there is a viable
option for all with respect to affordability. Further research is also required on
the possibility of re-use of the ECOSAN products in gardens and the
determination of an appropriate storage time for the excreta before it is used.
Sponsorhip
The University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Planning and Management
Subject
Alternative approaches to management of excretahousehold choice and adoption of Ecological Sanitation (ECOSAN) in Wajir