Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development (May 2023)

Quality of latrines and willingness to improve them in rural Ethiopia

  • Biruk Getachew Mamo,
  • Josef Novotný,
  • Amha Admasie

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2023.257
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 5
pp. 339 – 349

Abstract

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Ethiopia recorded the world's fastest increase in latrine coverage over the past two decades, but it was largely achieved by the adoption of latrines that do not meet basic hygienic standards. Therefore, this study aims to examine the quality of latrines and their upgrading at household level through a case study from the Loka Abaya district, South Ethiopia. Of the initially sampled 549 households, 422 (77%) had private latrines, and a survey was administered among them. The data were characterized descriptively, and correlates of the latrine quality and willingness to improve were analysed. The average latrine quality score in the sample was only 2.8 of the maximum six quality dimensions. Despite the low quality of latrines, 63% of respondents were satisfied with their sanitation situation. Both past improvements and plans to improve latrines were frequently reported. However, these reported changes mostly involved regular maintenance or reconstructions of collapsed latrines. No substantial upgrading of the functionality was identified. We identified inadequate awareness about the means of hygienic sanitation, implying the importance of community education. Demand for as well as supply of hygienic sanitation products are further constrained by the low purchasing power of households implying a need for sanitation subsidies. HIGHLIGHTS Significant increase of toilet coverage in Ethiopia was achieved through adoption of low-quality latrines.; This article thus examines the quality of latrines and willingness to improve them in Loka Abaya district, South Ethiopia.; The survey confirmed the generally poor quality of latrines and found little latrine upgrading over time.; This sanitation pattern was explained by inaccessibility and unaffordability of better toilets and inadequate conception of hygienic sanitation.; Toilet subsidies and education about means of hygienic sanitation are required.;

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