CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT OF ECOLOGICAL SANITATION IN RWANDA: NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Ecological sanitation, is an approach which is characterized by a desire to safely "close the loop" (mainly for the nutrients and organic matter) between sanitation and agriculture. Ecological sanitation systems aim at providing a hygienically closed loop system that is safe and economical. Human excreta is converted into nutrients and returned to the soil for agricultural purposes and water to land. Sustainable development goal number 6 focuses on the need to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ecological sanitation toilets in Huye and Musanze districts, of Rwanda .This research was conducted to understand properly the challenges faced by the residents of the two districts. Out of the 400 residents with ecological sanitation toilets from the two districts, 150 were sampled randomly and questionnaires administered. 10 key informants were selected for an in-depth interview. During the study, respondents acknowledged that sanitation and hygiene was a key to human health. Despite the presence of the ecological sanitation toilets, some of the residents did not utilize them properly. This was evidenced by the presence of human excreta in and around the toilets, foul smell, and presence of big blue and green flies. In the study, culture and religion were some of the key factors that hindered the residents from properly utilization and sharing of ecological sanitation toilets. Lack of knowledge, poor attitude and large family sizes also largely contributed to improper utilization of ecological toilets. Intensive labor involved in emptying of the toilets was another challenge. The main challenge seen on terrain was cultural factors which were faecophilia and faecophobic continuum. Some of the responses were classifying all the human excreta as clean and clean meaning those who touches human excreta like feacal matter would be referred to as untouchable.. Government and senior officials and Policy makers are very crucial in the sanitation campaigns to bring all the projects to the owners. The research illustrates how government should address the sanitation concern. The study recommends intensive awareness campaigns and advocacy to remove negative attitudes towards ecological sanitation toilets; training in ecological sanitation toilets operation; regular reviews and check-ups by authorities.