7. The road forward

The link between sanitation and livelihoods responds to the tremendous global need, and a recognition that governments and utilities alone cannot provide for the poor. When the poor take the initiative as informed consumers, producers, workers and citizens, and are supported by allies in local government, NGOs and CBOs, they can enhance their livelihoods, leading in turn to greater demand for improved sanitation.

The knowledge and capabilities of men and women should be the basis for training for new skills in human waste issues, with community organisations being supported by initiatives that lead to new attitudes and behaviours vis-à-vis sanitation.

More attention needs to be paid to the possibility of simplified sewer systems and decentralised sewage treatment plants, especially in small towns. Small businesses and small scale service providers can become important partners in sanitation services.

Support is needed to build the capacity of local NGOs and CBOs, and to train staff in agencies and services to show more solidarity with the poor

Enabling policies and strategies are needed for markets, small scale enterprises, access to credit and skills etc. Such policies should include an institutional channel for discussions on relevant issues affecting levels of sanitation where community members participate and voice their concerns and views.