Urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) are designed to recover nutrients and organic matter from human excreta for agricultural reuse. Their wider implementation could help address problems in areas where water scarcity limits coverage of sanitation systems and declining soil fertility jeopardizes nutritional security. Demonstration facilities can improve stakeholders’ views of UDDTs; however, it is uncertain whether these facilities should be located at households or institutions. Using a novel methodological approach that included qualitative data collection before and after introduction of demonstration UDDTs and quantitative monitoring of treatment conditions, this study evaluated changes in local attitudes and knowledge resulting from a UDDT promotion strategy at two primary schools in Uganda. Before introduction, students had little knowledge of UDDT facilities, while most attitude-related statements conveyed negative viewpoints and skepticism. After introduction and six months of operation, students exhibited increased knowledge, and 68% of attitude-related statements conveyed positive opinions that focused on the UDDTs’ long-term economic value and their role in creating a more hygienic school environment. These changes were seen in facility users and in other students at the schools who were non-users. In the future, with these improved perceptions, students could become compelling representatives for UDDTs within their communities, potentially increasing adoption.
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Research Article|
May 31 2016
Assessing the promotion of urine-diverting dry toilets through school-based demonstration facilities in Kalisizo, Uganda Available to Purchase
John T. Trimmer;
John T. Trimmer
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, ENB 118, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Neema Nakyanjo;
Neema Nakyanjo
2Rakai Health Sciences Program, P.O. Box 279, Kalisizo, Uganda
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Robert Ssekubugu;
Robert Ssekubugu
2Rakai Health Sciences Program, P.O. Box 279, Kalisizo, Uganda
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Marc Sklar;
Marc Sklar
3Brick by Brick Partners, 232 7th Street, #4B, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
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James R. Mihelcic;
James R. Mihelcic
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, ENB 118, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Sarina J. Ergas
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, ENB 118, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
E-mail: [email protected]
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Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development (2016) 6 (2): 276–286.
Article history
Received:
March 05 2016
Accepted:
May 11 2016
Citation
John T. Trimmer, Neema Nakyanjo, Robert Ssekubugu, Marc Sklar, James R. Mihelcic, Sarina J. Ergas; Assessing the promotion of urine-diverting dry toilets through school-based demonstration facilities in Kalisizo, Uganda. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development 1 June 2016; 6 (2): 276–286. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2016.045
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