User based perceptions of on-plot sanitation systems in low income urban communities in Africa and Asia

Rates of population growth in developing country cities are straining the capacity ofsanitation service providers. In spite of widespread sector recognition of the need to adoptlow-cost, people centred approaches, 80 per cent of investments in the water andsanitation sector continue to be allocated to high cost technologies for urban elites.Household level, on-plot sanitation systems potentially offer a solution to the sanitaryneeds of the urban poor. Nevertheless, commonly held assumptions amongst sectorprofessionals that lower cost, on-plot systems are inappropriate and unacceptable inurban communities impede-their wider application. There is little empirical evidence tojustify this position. The scope of this work examines the technical appropriateness anduser acceptability of on-plot sanitation options. The thesis contributes to an improvedunderstanding of the context in which on-plot systems operate, what factors constraintheir application, and what issues need consideration when deciding on sanitary optionsin low-income communities. The research adopted a mix of methodological techniques toimprove the reliability and validity of findings, with both quantitative and qualitativemethods applied during fieldwork. Findings from Ghana, Mozambique and India areincluded in the thesis in order to permit sampling of key latrine types used internationally.The thesis concludes that user based perceptions of the performance and acceptability ofon-plot systems varies markedly to those of sector professionals, particularly in relation toplot size, satisfaction levels and reasons for absence of household latrine. Furthermore,user based criteria of performance are developed for consideration practitioners whennarrowing decision making on sanitary options. The implications of the study highlight theneed for integration of user concerns into strategic planning for sanitation, more effectivestimulation and negotiation of demand for sanitation systems and challenges for agenciesin adopting a user oriented approach. The recommendations from the thesis includepractitioner focused policy changes that affect project planning and support systems foruser education. Potential areas of further research interest include ranking userperceptions, an holistic understanding of excreta management processes and institutionalconstraints affecting user-service provider consultations.