DYNAMICS OF SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOUR CHANGE IN SANITATION PRACTICES IN NADOWLI KALEO DISTRICT

Abstract

The study investigated the dynamics of sustainable behaviour change in sanitation practices in Nadowli-Kaleo District in Upper West Region of Ghana. The study is guided by the following research objectives: (i) explore why some rural people adopt sustainable ODF innovation but others do not. (ii) determine the effects of sustaining and not sustaining ODF adoption in society (iii) determine factors that affect the adoption and sustenance of ODF innovation in the Nadowli/Kaleo District. A qualitative research design was used to collect data from252 out of 550 households across seven area councils in the Nadowli/Kaleo District. An interview guide, non-participant observation and key informant interviews were used to collect qualitative data. The study established that: low income levels accounted for households’ inability to sustain and utilize latrines. The dynamics adduced for influencing sustainable behaviour change in ODF innovation are health concerns, safety, privacy, comfort, and dignity. Also cultural beliefs contributed to resistance and impeded the adoption and sustenance of ODF. A policy be introduced by actors in the WASH sector to assist poor households in a form of free distribution of materials for the construction of latrines which should reach the poorest households. For unhygienic environment and the outbreak of diseases because of unsustainable behaviour in the adoption of ODF, Behaviour Change Communication (BBC) strategies be intensified to encourage collective response in the adoption and sustenance of ODF innovation to avoid diseases outbreak. Also stakeholders in the WASH sector intensify education to eliminate the cultural fear of people in the use of latrines. Education should be done in collaboration with the traditional leaders of the communities in order to reduce resistance and promote acceptance. Gender and socio-cultural issues should be factored into CLTS implementation process so as to make it attractive and acceptable.