Perception of Peri-Urban Farmers on Fecal Sludge Compost and Its Utilization: A Case Study of Three Peri-Urban Communities in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study examined the perception of farmers in peri-urban areas on the use of fecal sludge compost as an organic fertilizer to address the issues of sanitation. The specific objectives were to: (1) investigate the farming practices and type of fertilizer used by farmers; (2) assess farmers' knowledge on fecal sludge compost and its utilization; and (3) investigate the socio-cultural and health issues relating to fecal sludge compost. A total of 150 farmers from three communities in two districts of Ashanti region were selected using a random sampling method. Data were collected from each farmer through semi-structured questionnaires. All of the farmers surveyed applied some form of organic or inorganic fertilizer on their farms. The results showed that 28 and 51% of farmers used organic and inorganic fertilizers, respectively, whereas 21% of the farmers used both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Only 34% of the farmers were aware that fecal sludge is a useful source of fertilizer, and only 4% use it to fertilize their farms. Health risk is not the main reason why most of the respondents have a negative attitude towards the use of fecal sludge compost, rather the perception that fecal sludge is total waste and therefore must not be used. The use of fecal sludge compost as organic fertilizer could increase crop yield while reducing the sanitation problem caused by the indiscriminate disposal of fecal sludge into the environment.