Sanitation approach toward resource recovery in rural and semi‐urban centers: Insight from South South Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractRecent sanitation situations in Nigeria present public health problems, especially in rural and semi‐urban centers. Local and national government bodies in the country have defined policies to provide adequate sanitation for the populations under their control as stated in relevant decrees and policies. However, those who work as health providers in Nigeria regard conditions in many parts of the country as unhygienic and unhealthy due to a lack of adequate sanitation and because the sanitation facilities that are in place are often ineffective. Interviews with householders in rural and semi‐urban centers showed that more than 72% of the people in rural communities lack access to adequate sanitation and toilet systems, especially in public institutions. While in semi‐urban centers about 91% of the residents use septic tanks without treatment facility, the remaining 8% use toilet systems such as community toilets, wet pit latrines, and open defecation. Both rural and semi‐urban centers do not use urine‐diverting dry toilets or septic tanks with treatment facilities. Given the present sanitation situation, this study proposes a modern toilet system in rural communities that will enhance the recovery of biogas and nutrients as fertilizer for soil amendment through appropriate implementation, use, and maintenance. The results could be useful as a support for decisions on policies and strategies for adequate and improved sanitation facilities in rural and semi‐urban centers in South South Nigeria.