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

Abstract

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. 111 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.