3.3.2 CLTS as a working approach: Experiences of Plan Ethiopia

Open defecation is common practice in many areas of Ethiopia resulting in high diarrhoeal incidence/ prevalence. An effective approach is needed for hygiene and sanitation development. Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) was introduced and is being implemented in Shebedino District and other Plan areas in Ethiopia including Lalibela in the North and Jimma in South West of the country. Community members are involved and take the lead in all project phases from problem identification through to monitoring and evaluation.

The major achievements of the project are that (i) community members are empowered both mentally and psychologically, (ii) self initiative involvement and commitment made possible and feelings of self respect and self esteem cultivated, (iii) the golden rule "no to open defecation" has been inculcated into the minds of children, (iv) dramatic increase in sanitation coverage, a total of 2648 pit latrines constructed in 14 'kebeles' communities of Shebedino, and (v) a strong sense of ownership created and community members became vanguards of sanitation.

The project gave advocacy workshops and conducted ToT for facilitators and basic CLTS training for community health workers (CHWs) after which the communities constructed their sanitation and hygiene facilities using local materials and their own labour. No subsidies were given for construction and direct promotion costs averaged 1$ per latrine (Plan project and overhead costs not included).

The project success is attributed to the "fear, shame and disgust" of the CLTS approach, total community involvement and commitment, proper facilitation and continuous follow up, and a joint venture of efforts by different actors.

Key challenges to the adopted project approach were identified as (i) subsidy orientation in subsidy areas left communities less keen to participate if no subsidy is given, (ii) limitedness of staff to follow up and replicate, (iii) inadequate facilitation skills of some facilitators, (iv) differences in commitment to and understanding of CLTS, and (v) potent backlash where follow up is deficient.

The main lessons learnt include that CLTS empowers and involves communities in development, continuous follow up and monitoring are key for success, joint venture highly demanded, the approach requires proper facilitation skills but bears a huge potential for application in another development sectors.