posted on 2018-02-12, 15:11authored byNneka Akwunwa
In Nigeria, population growth and insufficient progress on sanitation have meant that the portion of the
population with access to improved sanitation dropped between 1990 and 2015, and the number of
people open defecating actually increased.1 This paper presents a market-based approach to sanitation
that focuses on increasing the availability, affordability and sustainability of rural sanitation options in
two states of Nigeria with large rural populations and low rates of access to improved sanitation. Key
components of this initiative include developing a product line based on consumer preferences, working
with motivated sanitation entrepreneurs, and establishing community-based sales agents. Challenges
include difficulties changing cultural norms around open defaecation, and lack of affordable financing
options.
History
School
Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Published in
WEDC Conference
Citation
AKWUNWA, N., 2017. Addressing the sanitation crisis through a market-based approach. IN: Shaw, R.J. (ed). Local action with international cooperation to improve and sustain water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services: Proceedings of the 40th WEDC International Conference, Loughborough, UK, 24-28 July 2017, Paper 2820, 5pp.
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