Knowledge, attitudes and practices on use of Fossa Alternas and double vault urine diverting dry (DVUDD) latrines in Malawi

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Kumwenda, Save and Msefula, Chisomo and Kadewa, Wilfred and Ngwira, Bagrey and Morse, Tracy (2016) Knowledge, attitudes and practices on use of Fossa Alternas and double vault urine diverting dry (DVUDD) latrines in Malawi. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 6 (14). pp. 555-568. ISSN 2043-9083 (https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2016.177)

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Abstract

Fossa Alternas and Double Vault Urine Diverting Dry (DVUDD) latrines have been extensively promoted as ecological sanitation (EcoSan) latrine options in Malawi but little is known about whether they are used properly. A qualitative study of EcoSan users was conducted in the Blantyre and Chikwawa districts, Malawi. Data was collected using in-depth interviews (IDI) and observations. Twenty-eight (28) IDIs were conducted with household heads who had Fossa Alternas and 17 who had DVUDD latrines. Recorded data was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Of the total 45 EcoSan users, only one had no knowledge about how EcoSan latrines operate, 4 had low while 40 had moderate to high knowledge on how the latrines are used. The negative attitudes about EcoSan use were related to problems of reported blockages of urine diversion systems and the intensive management and maintenance needed for the latrines. Practices included the use of soil, ash, urine diverting, using hot water and chemicals to kill maggots, urinating in the drop-hole of the DVUDD latrine and poor maintenance of roof. It is therefore recommended that government, through water monitoring assistants and health surveillance assistants to periodically monitor the practices on EcoSan latrines use and provide necessary support to users.

ORCID iDs

Kumwenda, Save, Msefula, Chisomo, Kadewa, Wilfred, Ngwira, Bagrey and Morse, Tracy ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4185-9471;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:57898
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    20 October 2016
    Published
    19 September 2016
    Accepted
    4 November 2015
    Submitted
    Notes:© IWA Publishing 2016 Save Kumwenda, Chisomo Msefula, Wilfred Kadewa, Bagrey Ngwira, Tracy Morse, Jeroen H. J. Ensink; Knowledge, attitudes and practices on use of Fossa Alternas and double vault urine diverting dry (DVUDD) latrines in Malawi. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development 1 December 2016; 6 (4): 555–568. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2016.177
    Subjects:Technology > Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > Environmental engineering
    Department:Faculty of Engineering > Civil and Environmental Engineering
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:21 Sep 2016 15:32
    Last modified:19 Dec 2024 08:15
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/57898
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