Tanzania – A community-based approach and diverse technological options increases impact and sustainability of rural water and sanitation services

THE PROBLEM - Many rural communities in Tanzania have limited access to protected or reliable water supplies, making children and adults vulnerable to diarrhea and other water-related diseases. Only 44% of rural households in the Kisarawe district (tot. pop. 95,000) have access to improved water sources. In some places, famillies have to purchase water, leaving less money for food, health care and school fees for their children. Open defecation occurs in some villages where households do not use latrines. THE PROGRAM – Since 2005, Plan International, a child-centered community development organization, has targeted approximately 30,000 people in Kisarawe district for improved access to protected water supplies via water wells, rainwater harvesting systems and a dam. Hygiene education was also conducted in schools. The project has also promoted household water treatment and storage (HWTS) technologies, such as chlorine tablets and liquids and Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS). Plan introduced SODIS to 1,200 families in seven villages and was most acceptable as compared with other HWTS technologies. Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) was initiated in 55 villages benefiting an estimated 70,000. CLTS was successful in encouraging village residents to address open defecation and to build new and/or upgrade latrines. RESULTS – The prevalence of diarrhea among under-five children has decreased along with the school absenteeism in older children. Women reported less travel time to fetch water. CONSEQUENCES – A water and sanitation program providing several technological alternatives was effective in reaching large numbers of people and achieving improved health conditions and quality of life.