Executive Summary
Poor sanitation and hygiene remain major public health and development challenges across many parts of East Africa, contributing to preventable diseases, child malnutrition, environmental degradation, and reduced economic productivity. Open defecation, unsafe disposal of waste, limited handwashing facilities, and low awareness of hygiene practices disproportionately affect rural communities and informal settlements. This proposal presents a community-led sanitation and hygiene program designed to improve sanitation coverage, promote behavior change, and strengthen local ownership in selected regions of East Africa, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
The project adopts a participatory, behavior-centered approach aligned with Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) principles, integrating sanitation infrastructure, hygiene education, gender inclusion, and institutional capacity building. Over a three-year period, the program aims to reach more than 60,000 people, contributing to improved health outcomes, dignity, and environmental sustainability.
Background and Problem Statement
Despite significant progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) policies, East Africa continues to face sanitation deficits, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Many households lack access to improved toilets, while handwashing facilities with soap remain limited. Poor sanitation contributes to diarrheal diseases, cholera outbreaks, intestinal worm infections, and stunting among children under five.
Climate change exacerbates sanitation challenges through flooding, droughts, and water scarcity, which damage sanitation facilities and contaminate water sources. Women, girls, persons with disabilities, and elderly populations face heightened risks due to lack of privacy, safety, and accessible sanitation facilities. Addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges therefore requires community ownership, social norm change, and locally appropriate solutions.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To improve public health, dignity, and environmental conditions through sustainable, community-led sanitation and hygiene practices in East Africa.
Specific Objectives
- Eliminate open defecation in targeted communities through community mobilization and behavior change.
- Increase access to safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient sanitation facilities for households and public institutions.
- Promote sustained hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap at critical times.
- Strengthen community institutions and local governments to plan, manage, and monitor sanitation services.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
The project will be implemented in selected rural villages and peri-urban settlements across East African countries with high sanitation gaps. Primary beneficiaries include:
- Households practicing open defecation
- Women and girls affected by inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities
- Children under five vulnerable to sanitation-related diseases
- Schools, health centers, and community institutions
Special consideration will be given to marginalized populations, including low-income households, pastoralist communities, and persons with disabilities.
Project Components and Key Activities
- Component 1: Community Mobilization and Behavior Change
- Community triggering exercises based on CLTS methodologies
- Participatory sanitation mapping and action planning
- Formation of community sanitation committees
- Peer-led monitoring and community scorecards
- Component 2: Sanitation Infrastructure Development
- Construction of household latrines using low-cost, locally available materials
- Promotion of improved and climate-resilient toilet designs
- Support for inclusive sanitation facilities for persons with disabilities and elderly populations
- Improvement of sanitation facilities in schools and health centers
- Component 3: Hygiene Promotion and Education
- Hygiene education campaigns focusing on handwashing, menstrual hygiene, and waste management
- Establishment of handwashing stations with soap at households and public places
- School-based hygiene clubs and child-led sanitation initiatives
- Engagement of community health workers and local leaders as hygiene champions
- Component 4: Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening
- Training of local government staff and community leaders on sanitation planning and monitoring
- Strengthening linkages between communities and district WASH offices
- Support for development of local sanitation bylaws and enforcement mechanisms
- Integration of sanitation planning into local development plans
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
The project prioritizes gender equality and social inclusion by ensuring women’s leadership in sanitation committees and decision-making processes. Separate consultations will be conducted to address the specific needs of women and girls, including menstrual hygiene management and safety concerns. Sanitation facilities will be designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities and elderly users.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
Climate-resilient sanitation designs will be promoted to withstand flooding and water scarcity. The project will encourage safe fecal sludge management, composting of organic waste where appropriate, and environmental protection measures to reduce contamination of water sources. Community awareness on climate-smart sanitation practices will be integrated into training sessions.
Implementation Strategy and Partnerships
Implementation will be carried out through partnerships with local NGOs, community-based organizations, local governments, and health authorities. Traditional leaders, religious institutions, and women’s groups will play a key role in mobilization and behavior change. The project will align with national sanitation policies and regional WASH strategies.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
A comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework will track progress and outcomes. Key indicators include:
- Percentage of households using improved sanitation facilities
- Reduction in open defecation rates
- Percentage of households practicing regular handwashing with soap
- Incidence of sanitation-related diseases
Data will be collected through household surveys, community monitoring tools, and health facility records. Lessons learned will be documented and shared to inform policy and scale-up.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
- Open defecation-free status achieved in targeted communities
- Improved sanitation and hygiene practices among at least 60,000 people
- Reduced incidence of diarrheal and sanitation-related diseases
- Enhanced dignity, safety, and wellbeing for women and girls
- Strengthened community and local government capacity for sustainable sanitation management
Budget Overview
The project budget will cover community mobilization, sanitation infrastructure support, hygiene promotion, capacity building, monitoring, and project management. Community contributions in labor and materials will be encouraged to enhance ownership. A detailed budget will be developed in coordination with donors and partners.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Sustainability will be ensured through strong community ownership, continued behavior change, local capacity building, and integration with government WASH programs. By the end of the project, communities will have the knowledge, institutions, and motivation to maintain sanitation and hygiene improvements independently.
Conclusion
Community-led sanitation and hygiene programs are essential for improving public health, dignity, and environmental sustainability in East Africa. This proposal offers an inclusive, climate-resilient, and behavior-focused approach that empowers communities to lead lasting change. The project will contribute significantly to SDG 6 and broader human development outcomes across the region.
