INCREASING ACCESS TO IMPROVE SANITATION AND HYGIENE SERVICES AT TAILOR-KURA IN THE EAST GONJA DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

Improved sanitation is fundamental to improved health and standard of living of people. However, many communities especially those in developing world, despite several campaigns and sensitization are still living without access to improved sanitation and hygiene services. This project adopted action research method employing Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) tools to improved sanitation and hygiene practices in Tailor-kura. The project used a households structured questionnaires to ascertain the baseline information (Appendix A) and community assessment and monitoring template to assess the post intervention results (Appendix B). A sample size of thirty (30) was used to ascertain the sanitation status of the community. With the use of participatory methods, such as focus group discussions and interviews, community stakeholders were facilitated to come out with local-based strategies and draw their action plan to address the sanitation menace in the community. The analysis of the pre-intervention data shows that poverty, lack of government commitment, availability of open spaces, and inadequate knowledge on effects of poor sanitation are some of the main causes of poor sanitation in the community. The facilitation of CLTS process in the community has resulted in an increase in access to sanitation and hygiene services in the community. Before intervention, there was zero coverage of sanitation and hygiene facilities, but after intervention, all the households now owned and used household toilets, wash their hands with soap at critical points and undertake general sanitation cleanliness. It is therefore convincing to conclude that CLTS approach is the best rural sanitation strategy. However, effective community mobilisation, stakeholder engagements, mentoring and regular monitoring, as well as the promotion of communal spirit are essential in ensuring the effectiveness of CLTS interventions in rural communities.