The reuse of human excreta in Bangladesh
Abstract
This study was conducted in Bagerhat, Faridpur, and Rajshahi districts of Bangladesh in order to better understand the reuse of human excreta in the country. The study comprised reviewing literature on the subject, before carrying out empirical observations in February and August 2005. The research included in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, group discussions, transect walks, and direct observation of the ways, systems and purposes of reuse of human excreta. The study found that human excreta is used:
(a) as fertiliser for production of plants particularly by sowing of plants on 'saturated' latrine pits; by mixing human excreta with poultry, animal and other organic solid waste, including sludge of Biogas; and by using wastewater for agriculture and aquaculture (b) for the reproduction of alternative energy through bio-gas plants. Often, in cases of reuse of human excreta in agriculture, projects seem to be to be informal and based on individual initiatives. Biogas plants are often the outcome of planned intervention and specific projects by the government and NGOs. Bio-gas plant technology is costly and therefore is not affordable for the poor. Where human excreta is reused, both in agriculture and in the production of bio-gas, some fundamental questions need to be addressed, such as sludge disposal, aspects of environmental pollution, health risks, and agricultural products.
The study found that people reusing excreta are Muslim, Hindu and Christian by religious affiliation, although the literature suggests that Islam discourages contact with human excreta. The reasons people give for reusing excreta are tradition, indigenous knowledge and financial benefits. This survey presumes that the reuse of human excreta is implemented from the perspective of environmental sanitation. In this process of reuse the key focus should be on 'adoption of scientific procedures' in preparing compost and its safe utilisation. Such safe and hygienic behaviour and handling would promote health and well-being of the population. Institutions engaged in promoting hygiene and sanitation should incorporate reuse of human excreta into their programme. Given the development situation in Bangladesh, it is expected that the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including private institutions be intensively involved in the reuse of human excreta in producing bio-gas and for composting as well through eco-toilet and household composting plants. The government should adopt a policy for reuse of human excreta, allocate budgets to develop affordable and appropriate technologies, and provide subsidies to the poorest. NGOs meanwhile can raise awareness of safe and effective utilisation of excreta; provide training to users, caretakers, and private producers; conduct advocacy at national and local level; monitor and facilitate field level operations; and carry out action research to ensure the effectiveness of technologies and approaches in accordance with socio-economic and environmental contexts. Once simple and affordable designs of bio-gas plant, eco-toilet and composting plant are developed and the community is willing to be involved in the reuse of human excreta, the private sector could be engaged in ensuring the availability of hardware materials and the building skills in the localities.
Cite as: Quazi, A., and Islam, R. (2008). The reuse of human excreta in Bangladesh. In: Beyond construction : use by all : a collection of case studies from sanitation and hygiene promotion practitioners in South Asia. London, UK, WaterAid and Delft, The Netherlands, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre. Available at: http://www.irc.nl/page/40450
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