Conference Paper: Raising and Meeting Demands For On-site Toilets

Updated - Monday 29 November 2004

Year of publication: 2003

The countries that attended the World Summit on Social Development have pledged that by 2015 the proportion of people without access to sanitation will be halved. Earlier strategies have failed to close the gap. This paper (link below to the full text in PDF format) discusses an alternative strategy that is participatory and gender- and poverty-specific, with four thrust areas: Creating and responding to demand; user choices for men and women; local delivery mechanisms; and, monitoring outcomes and costs.

Illustrations come from Niger, Bangladesh, India and Indonesia. Environmental hazards from sludge disposal and groundwater contamination are special challenges. Is it better to go for more quantity (any type of latrine installed and any hygienic use is better than none) or for more quality (eco-latrines when other types threaten the environment).

The paper contains conclusions on further research with links to a project with partners in Bangladesh, India, Finland, the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

Keywords: strategy, demand, gender, coverage, cost-effectiveness, research needs