Assessing the promotion of urine-diverting dry toilets through school-based demonstration facilities in Kalisizo, Uganda
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Abstract
Urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) are designed to recover nutrients and organic matter from human
excreta for agricultural reuse. Their wider implementation could help address problems in areas
where water scarcity limits coverage of sanitation systems and declining soil fertility jeopardizes
nutritional security. Demonstration facilities can improve stakeholders’ views of UDDTs; however,
it is uncertain whether these facilities should be located at households or institutions. Using a novel
methodological approach that included qualitative data collection before and after introduction of
demonstration UDDTs and quantitative monitoring of treatment conditions, this study evaluated
changes in local attitudes and knowledge resulting from a UDDT promotion strategy at two primary
schools in Uganda. Before introduction, students had little knowledge of UDDT facilities, while most
attitude-related statements conveyed negative viewpoints and skepticism. After introduction and six
months of operation, students exhibited increased knowledge, and 68% of attitude-related
statements conveyed positive opinions that focused on the UDDTs’ long-term economic value and
their role in creating a more hygienic school environment. These changes were seen in facility users
and in other students at the schools who were non-users. In the future, with these improved
perceptions, students could become compelling representatives for UDDTs within their
communities, potentially increasing adoption.
Description
Keywords
Ecological sanitation, Food security, Health, Latrine, Sub-Saharan Africa, sustainable development goals
Citation
Trimmer, J. T., Nakyanjo, N., Ssekubugu, R., Sklar, M., Mihelcic, J. R., & Ergas, S. J. (2016). Assessing the promotion of urine-diverting dry toilets through school-based demonstration facilities in Kalisizo, Uganda. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 6(2), 276-286. doi: 10.2166/washdev.2016.045