Rural Sanitation Research Articles

The Influence of High-Quality Rural Sanitation on Improving the Competitiveness of Traditional Village Ecotourism—Taking Toilet Improvement in Yunnan Province, China as An Example

The Influence of High-Quality Rural Sanitation on Improving the Competitiveness of Traditional Village Ecotourism—Taking Toilet Improvement in Yunnan Province, China as An Example

Life Cycle Assessment of Resource-Oriented Sanitation Based on Vacuum Toilet and Vacuum Kitchen Waste Shredder: A Case Study in Rural Southeastern China

The resource value of feces and kitchen waste has not been fully emphasized and utilized in rural sanitation management in China. In this paper, we propose a new ecological sanitation model with the core technology of “vacuum toilet and vacuum kitchen waste shredder—vacuum collection—resource treatment”, i.e., the modern home–farm cycle sanitation (MHFCS) system. We compared the environmental performance of the MHFCS system with that of a typical end-pipe treatment sanitation (EPTS) system (Johkasou—small onsite wastewater treatment system) in rural China using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The results showed that the main source of environmental impacts of the MHFCS system was the collection and treatment process of domestic organic liquid wastes; the greenhouse gas emissions were 64.543 kg CO2eq·PE−1·year−1, and the MHFCS system indirectly gained a fertilizer substitution benefit of 65.960 kg CO2eq·PE−1·year−1 through nutrient element recycling. The MHFCS system has significant advantages in terms of net GHG emissions. Sensitivity analyses showed that resource consumption of vacuum facilities was a key factor for the MHFCS system. This system offers the potential to break down the barriers of the EPTS system in order to meet environmental sustainability and market demands for systemic diversity.

Climate impacts on rural sanitation: evidence from Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Lao PDR

Climate impacts on rural sanitation: evidence from Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Lao PDR

Impacto e desafios da presença de animais silvestres no saneamento rural

In this article, we will explore the complex interaction between wild animals and rural sanitation, highlighting the different aspects of this relationship and analyzing its implications. Rural sanitation is a crucial area to ensure the health and well-being of communities living outside urban centers. Encompassing a variety of activities and infrastructure, rural sanitation aims to provide safe access to drinking water, adequate sewage treatment and effective solid waste management. The relationship between rural sanitation and wild animals is close and their interactions can have significant consequences for both public health and the preservation of fauna. While rural sanitation seeks to ensure safe access to drinking water, effective sewage treatment and adequate solid waste management, the presence of wild animals can introduce additional challenges to these initiatives. The influence of wild animals in the context of rural sanitation is a crucial factor to be addressed to promote public health and environmental sustainability in rural communities. Although these animals perform essential functions in natural ecosystems, their presence can pose significant challenges to sanitation practices, such as contamination of drinking water sources, inadequate management of solid waste and complexity in sewage treatment.

Rural integrated sanitation assessment at community level in Chongqing, China—A cluster analysis

Equitable access to sanitation for all is a goal of sustainable development, notably in rural areas. However, studies including economic, socio-cultural, and other factors that have been conducted to comprehensively assess rural sanitation at the community level in developing countries are limited. This study aimed to investigate the current state of rural environmental sanitation on the community level and to evaluate the characteristics of the diverse sub-clusters. A multidimensional environmental sanitation survey was conducted on 400 communities in Chongqing, China in 2020, and the priority options for improving sub-clusters’ sanitation were explored using cluster analysis. Among all communities, more than 60 % had positive village appearance, 50.50 % had domestic sewage treatment, and the coverage rate of household sanitary toilets was 72.28 %. The average content for lead, cadmium (Cd), and chromium in soil was 26.01, 0.53, and 54.47 mg/kg, respectively. The communities were clustered into 3 groups (I, II, III) based on similar characteristics including basic information, village appearance, water, sanitation, hygiene management, bio-vector control, and soil pollution. The proportion of cluster I, II, and III was 39.25 % (157/400), 31.75 % (127/400), and 29.00 % (116/400), respectively. Each cluster had its sanitation characteristics, and significant differences among the sub-clusters were observed in Cd of soil (p = 0.001), domestic sewage disposal ratio (p < 0.001), and environmental health funding (p = 0.001). To sum up, the environmental sanitation in rural areas of Chongqing was better than that of the national average in China, but the Cd content of farmland soil was higher. Our study provides novel evidence for assessing the characteristics of rural sanitation at the community level, and communities with similar environmental health status were clustered into the same group, while the heterogeneity of different sub-cluster was thoroughly characterized. The hierarchical control strategy should be performed in communities based on different characteristics and deficiencies of the clusters to improve environmental sanitation.

Jumping up the sanitation ladder in rural Cambodia: The role of remittances and peer-to-peer pressure in adopting high-quality latrines

Over the last 50 years, a combination of factors has driven sanitation improvements in rural areas of low-income and emerging economies in Asia. While open defecation remains an important challenge in many countries, Cambodia has rapidly increased rural sanitation coverage in the last 20 years. Using data collected via 92 interviews and seven focus group discussions, this qualitative study analysed the macro-level, community, and individual factors that motivated rural households to invest in high-quality latrines in seven villages in Cambodia that achieved and sustained open defecation free status with at least 85% latrine coverage. Local demand for adoption of high quality latrine was stimulated by a number of factors which include: a) NGO-led interventions that included behaviour change communication, sanitation marketing, and community-led total sanitation, all magnified by the strong support of local leaders at the village and commune levels; b) an increased proportion of rural households engaging in factory work, with access to raising wages, higher disposable incomes, and remittances; and c) subsidies and microcredit. Furthermore, migrants not only transferred financial resources to their home villages, but also transferred a set of ideas, norms, expectations, information, and behaviors back to their communities that reflect the migrants’ new ways of life, and economic possibilities. We provide evidence that new habits among factory workers, and ownership and display of new technologies and consumer commodities as symbols of modern success and social status facilitated high-quality latrine adoption. Peer-to-peer pressure at the village level, and among adult children commuting to factories or visiting their rural hometown ensured widespread adoption.

Assessment of Economic, Environmental, and Technological Sustainability of Rural Sanitation and Toilet Infrastructure and Decision Support Model for Improvement

Sanitation and toilets are important infrastructure for public health and societal stability. However, the adoption of adequate treatment technologies and techniques is a major challenge for both developing and underdeveloped areas. Answering the question of how to improve sanitation and toilet infrastructure in rural areas, for poverty alleviation, inequality mitigation, and good health and well-being under the Sustainable Development Goals, is more challenging compared with urban areas. Decision support models (DSMs) are important for selecting rural sanitation and toilet technologies. However, previous models have not fully respected local standards, needs, and operational environments, and are mainly limited to technological sustainability performance. To overcome such research gaps, this study developed a rural sanitation and toilet technology decision support model (DSM) assessing economic, environmental, and technological sustainability. Both technology and village weighting methods based on 217 general experts and seven local residents, respectively, were adopted to fully tailor indicator weights to rural contexts. The results showed an economic sustainability weight of 0.205, an environmental sustainability weight of 0.466, and a technological sustainability weight of 0.329. The sanitation and toilet technologies were divided into wastewater treatment technologies and toilet technologies, with the former subdivided into primary, secondary, and tertiary wastewater treatment technologies. This study confirmed that the PSO-GWO algorithm outperformed in accuracy and effectiveness. Accordingly, the PSO-GWO algorithm was adopted to demonstrate the optimization of sanitation and toilet technologies in four villages in plateau, mountain, plain, and basin areas. The study can assist local governments in selecting appropriate rural sanitation and toilet technologies during the planning phase. This can enhance the living standards of rural residents and promote sustainable rural development.

Water Governance: Challenges and Prospects for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal Six in Nigeria

The primary objective of this study is to review all Nigerian National Water and Sanitation Policies implemented since 1993. The aim is to assess their performance, efficiency, and alignment with the targets set forth in UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This review provides a contextual understanding of the challenges and opportunities for implementing SDG 6 in Nigeria. We conducted a critical appraisal and qualitative analysis of the 2016 Nigerian National Water Resources Policy, the most recently published policy, in relation to the targets of SDG 6. Our findings indicate that seven out of the eight SDG 6 targets are addressed in the policy. These include safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, pollution reduction, water-use efficiency, trans-boundary cooperation, and protection of water-related ecosystems. However, the policy falls short in involving local communities in water and sanitation management, which is the eighth requirement of SDG 6. Specifically, only 28 states have a dedicated Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), and few local government areas have Water Supply and Sanitation Hygiene Departments (WASH) as required by SDG 6. Our assessment of the policy's implementation and practices is based on secondary data sources, notably from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the National Bureau of Statistics. We argue that by developing effective implementation strategies that involve local communities, the 2016 National Water Resources Policy can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable water and sanitation management for all Nigerians by 2030.

Developing Strategies For Mitigating Losses in The Water Supply System of The Jerimum Site in Missão Velha-Ce: A Focus on The Relationship Between Water and Society

Objective: It is intended to analyze the efficiency of the use of water resources in the Water Supply System (SAA) of the Jerimum Site in Missão Velha-CE, through the monitoring of water losses in the distribution system, in order to propose mitigation measures and control of waste. Method: This qualitative and exploratory study used a bibliographic procedure to investigate the effectiveness of the distribution system of the SAA of the Jerimum Site managed by the Integrated Rural Sanitation System (SISAR). Data collection was carried out through meetings with community leaders and the general population served by the system, analysis of the Loss in Distribution index (IPD) in the period from 2018 to 2022, consultation of the SISAR spreadsheet related to loss control and inspection of the SAA. Results of the research and discussions: The results obtained revealed that the distribution system of the SAA of Sítio Jerimum is considered inefficient, as it does not meet the minimum limit established for IPD of up to 25%, as determined by Ordinance No. 490/2021. The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied in the field of SAA management, specifically rural ones. Research Implications: The research contributes to the literature for its practical propositions about the fight against water losses. In addition to implying the awareness of the population of Sítio Jerimum, Missão Velha-CE, to reduce losses in their SSA. Originality/value: The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by identifying that an efficient management to combat losses requires attention in the technical, inspection and socio-environmental pillars. Thus, this research offers environmental managers tools to verify the efficiency of SAA in terms of water loss control, and consequently ways to reduce loss rates.

Research on the Implementation Plan of Urban and Rural Sanitation Integration in County Towns in China

This paper deeply discusses the implementation plan of the integration of urban and rural sanitation in county towns in China. First of all, the main problems facing urban and rural sanitation in the county are analyzed, including inadequate sanitation facilities, scattered management and low efficiency of resource utilization. Then, it puts forward the necessity and importance of urban and rural sanitation integration, pointing out that it helps to improve the county's environmental health level, promote resource conservation and recycling, and promote the coordinated development of urban and rural areas. In the implementation of the program, this paper puts forward a series of concrete measures. It includes strengthening the construction of sanitation infrastructure, improving the system of garbage collection, transfer and treatment; Promoting the reform of the environmental sanitation management system to realize the unification and coordination of urban and rural sanitation management; Strengthen environmental sanitation technology innovation and personnel training, improve the quality and efficiency of environmental sanitation services; At the same time, pay attention to the combination of policy guidance and market mechanism to attract social capital to participate in the cause of environmental sanitation. Through this study, the aim is to provide a scientific implementation plan and reference for the integration of urban and rural environmental sanitation in the county, and promote the healthy development of environmental health undertakings in the county.

Impact of rural water supply and sanitation project in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State

Impact of rural water supply and sanitation project in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State

Improved Child Feces Management Mediates Reductions in Childhood Diarrhea from an On-Site Sanitation Intervention: Causal Mediation Analysis of a Cluster-Randomized Trial in Rural Bangladesh

BackgroundThe WASH benefits Bangladesh trial multi-component sanitation intervention reduced diarrheal disease among children < 5 years. Intervention components included latrine upgrades, child feces management tools, and behavioral promotion. It remains unclear which components most impacted diarrhea.MethodsWe conducted mediation analysis within a subset of households (n = 720) from the sanitation and control arms. Potential mediators were categorized into indicators of latrine quality, latrine use practices, and feces management practices. We estimated average causal mediation effects (ACME) as prevalence differences (PD), defined as the intervention’s effect on diarrhea through its effect on the mediator.ResultsThe intervention improved all indicators compared to controls. We found significant mediation through multiple latrine use and feces management practice indicators. The strongest mediators during monsoon seasons were reduced open defecation among children aged < 3 and 3–8 years, and increased disposal of child feces into latrines. The strongest mediators during dry seasons were access to a flush/pour-flush latrine, reduced open defecation among children aged 3–8 years, and increased disposal of child feces into latrines. Individual mediation effects were small (PD = 0.5–2 percentage points) compared to the overall intervention effect but collectively describe significant mediation pathways.DiscussionThe effect of the WASH Benefits Bangladesh sanitation intervention on diarrheal disease was mediated through improved child feces management and reduced child open defecation. Although the intervention significantly improved latrine quality, relatively high latrine quality at baseline may have limited benefits from additional improvements. Targeting safe child feces management may increase the health benefits of rural sanitation interventions.

Development and assessment of a vulnerability index for access to rural drinking water and sanitation services in the semi-arid region of north–central Chile

Abstract The present study aimed to develop and assess a vulnerability index for access to rural drinking water and sanitation services, which was applied to 42 Rural Sanitation Services in the Coquimbo Region, Chile. For the development and assessment of the vulnerability index, the construction of composite indicator methodology was employed. An underlying model based on 65 indicators, linked to nine sub-pillars and three pillars, was established. In addition, the COINTool software was used for the development and analysis of the composite indicator results. The vulnerability index results showed medium vulnerability at regional and provincial levels, with a greater degree of vulnerability at a commune level. At a Rural Sanitation Services level, 2.4% of the evaluated services presented high vulnerability, 73.8% presented medium vulnerability, and 23.8% presented low vulnerability. The vulnerability index values obtained for the Rural Sanitation Services fluctuated from a minimum value of 32.3% to a maximum value of 64.1%. The significance of the vulnerability indicator developed and assessed lies in its high potential as a tool and/or methodology to monitoring, from a multidimensional perspective, the effectiveness of policies, strategies, and/or actions implemented at the level of Rural Sanitation Services, contributing to strengthened decision-making in vulnerability reduction.

Harvesting Success: Unlocking Business Opportunities and Social Impact through Rural Healthcare and Sanitation Investments for Women Empowerment

This research paper explores the symbiotic relationship between businesses and rural healthcare and sanitation, revealing the manifold benefits of investment in these critical sectors. By delving into the strategic advantages, such as access to untapped markets, heightened brand loyalty, and positive contributions to social well-being, this paper underscores the win-win dynamics that arise when companies address these pressing needs. Through concise analysis and real-world case studies, the abstract provides a glimpse into the potential for businesses to not only drive economic growth but also become catalysts for positive change in rural communities.

Optimizing PAMSIMAS management: community-based training to enhance knowledge and skills of Village Officials in Banjar Regency

The Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Provision Program (PAMSIMAS) serves as a community-driven platform for rural drinking water and sanitation development. In the Banjar Regency area, PAMSIMAS management faces challenges, including a limited number of available water reservoirs and a slow water-filling process into these reservoirs. Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified human resources for community training. To address these issues, activities were conducted to enhance community skills in maintaining PASMIMAS equipment. Collaboration took place with work units in the Banjar Regency government, involving 30 village officials in the West Martapura District. The method employed included lectures and question-and-answer sessions. The analysis utilized to evaluate the training's success involved pre-test and post-test assessments. The results indicated an increase in participants' knowledge, with a pre-test average of 40.66 and a post-test average of 70.50, yielding a p-value of &gt; 0.00 (paired t-test). In conclusion, this training effectively enhanced PAMSIMAS knowledge among village officials.

Rural Sanitation Sustainability Dynamics: Gaining Insight through Participatory and Simulation Modeling.

Improved sanitation provides many benefits to human health and well-being and is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six. However, many nations, including most of sub-Saharan Africa, are not on track to meeting sanitation targets. Recognizing the inherent complexity of environmental health, we used systems thinking to study sanitation sustainability in Uganda. Our study participants, 37 sanitation actors in three rural districts, were engaged in interviews, group model building workshops, and a survey. The resulting model was parametrized and calibrated using publicly available data and data collected through the Uganda Sanitation for Health Activity. Our simulations revealed slippage from improved sanitation in all study districts, a behavior reflected in real interventions. This implies that systemic changes-changes to the rules and relationships in the system-may be required to improve sanitation outcomes in this context. Adding reinforcing feedback targeting households' perceived value of sanitation yielded promising simulation results. We conclude with the following general recommendations for those designing sanitation policies or interventions: (1) conceptualize sanitation systems in terms of reinforcing and balancing feedback, (2) consider using participatory and simulation modeling to build confidence in these conceptual models, and (3) design many experiments (e.g., simulation scenarios) to test and improve understanding.

The Critical Success Factors Affecting Tanzania National E-Procurement System Adoption on Performance of Public Procurement in Tanzania: A Case of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA)

The Critical Success Factors Affecting Tanzania National E-Procurement System Adoption on Performance of Public Procurement in Tanzania: A Case of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA)

Implementation of the Healthy Community Movement (GERMAS) through the ownership of sanitary toilets

Improper disposal of fecal matter in inappropriate locations can lead to environmental pollution, various diseases, and even death. This community service project focused on assisting farmer groups in Air Pesi Village, Kepahiang District, Bengkulu Province, who lacked proper sanitation facilities. Initially, the goal was to build two sanitary toilets, but this was expanded to four through cost-effective communal labor. Pre-and post-test assessments showed a substantial increase in residents' knowledge of healthy behaviors and the Healthy Living Community Movement in Indonesia known as Gerakan Masyarat Hidup Sehat (GERMAS) principles, from 32% before the intervention to 89% afterward. Additionally, the project successfully exceeded its target by constructing four sanitary toilets, which were not only used for waste disposal but also as bathing and laundry facilities. Community awareness of GERMAS principles increased by 57%. This initiative can serve as a model for local residents and inform government policies on rural sanitation. This project highlights the importance of community-driven sanitation improvements in rural areas.

Determinants of Multidimensional Poverty in Rural Tanzania

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study examines the determinants of multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. Poverty is still a challenge in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas, since its incidence rate of decrease is slower than in urban areas. The study used binary logistic regression to identify the key determinants of multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. Both the Alkire-Foster (2011) counting and binary logistic regression methods were applied to estimate the Multidimensional Poverty Index and determinants of multidimensional poverty respectively. The research utilized data that were already collected by the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey in 2017. The Alkire and Foster estimates, showed that, the majority of the households living in rural Tanzania (74.43 percent) were poor. Additionally, the findings showed that, the dimension of living standard (56.6%) contributes more to the total MPI, followed by health (23.2) and education (20.2%). Binary logit regression model estimates showed that, the factors being studied were proven to be statistically significant determinants that have an impact on multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. Moreover, female-headed households were 1.22 times more likely to be multi-dimensionally poor compared to male-headed households at the 5% level of significance. The findings reveal that age, education levels and married decrease the probability of being poor. Similarly, the model revealed that, people who use family planning are less likely to be poor (odd ratio, 0.79). This study has important policy implications for reducing multidimensional poverty in rural Tanzania. The government should prioritize improving access to basic amenities, housing, and infrastructure, and promote education and family planning services. Gender-sensitive policies and programs are also needed to address gender inequalities in rural Tanzania. For example, the government should invest in rural infrastructure development programs, such as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, which aims to provide safe water and sanitation facilities to rural communities.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

More burden less access: a study of sanitation issues in urban slums of Aligarh district

PurposeThe present study intends to highlight the issues and challenges pertinent to sanitation practices among urban slum women in India.Design/methodology/approachThe primary qualitative data has been collected from 100 households sampled by stratified random and purposive sampling through in-depth interviews, and a structured interview schedule and themes were developed accordingly.FindingsThe main theme-based results of the study included the challenges of open defecation in slums, public toilets as an alternative, sanitation-related stress in slum women, compromised state of health of women and children, menstrual hygiene among women in slums and increasing burden on women in terms of water management. The study recommends the creation of toilets in every slum locality with maintenance and awareness to be raised.Originality/valueUrban sanitation has received less research than rural sanitation. The present study focused on the issues of urban sanitation, which are often neglected. To ensure the study's uniqueness, researchers visited and mentioned each open defecation site to understand the situation.Peer reviewThe peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0782