Togo - Community-based approaches improve impact and sustainability in rural water, hygiene and sanitation

BACKGROUND: In the prefecture of Eastern Mono, about 67% of the population lack access to improved water sources and over 94% do not have adequate latrines. 70% of schools do not have latrines or improved water source and pupils resort to defecation in the open air and drank polluted surface water sources. THE PROJECT – Plan International, a child-centered community development organization, implemented a project (2006-2009) to improve access to safe water and sanitation, hygiene and good governance in 30 villages of Eastern Mono. With the cost of U.S. $1,850,000, the project targeted 42,900 inhabitants through activities such as (i) strengthening the capacities of children, CBOs, and government local institutions to operate and maintain the built infrastructure, (ii) community education for behavior change and demand creation; (iii) building/upgrading water and sanitation infrastructure, and (iv) establishing a participatory monitoring system in schools, health centers and communities. RESULTS: With 70 boreholes drilled/rehabilitated and 1,021 family latrines constructed, access to safe drinking water rose from 33% to 74% and access to sanitation from 6% to 23%. Also, 100% of local schools have latrines and improved water sources that pupils use and maintain. Teachers have noted a decrease in absenteeism linked to water-related diseases. The costs per beneficiary were $23 for water, $10 for sanitation and $10 for hygiene. CONCLUSION: This project is being scaled-up by Plan in other localities and is also serving as a model for other institutions. Plan is also exploring how to integrate the operation of these projects with microcredit initiatives.