CLTS: Key Findings

Through the brief investigation into two case studies of CLTS, one on the methods used in Nigeria and the other of those in Zambia, some key contributors to success were identified and are discussed accordingly.

Three of the common, successful themes of the two CLTS projects were the use of shock/disgust factor, the eradication of open defecation alongisde the construction of latrines, and the high engagement levels within the community.

When looking to encourage villagers to want to be more pro-active in the improvement of sanitation in their community, it was common to reveal to them just how unhygienic the practices used were. After being made aware of the presence of faecal matter in drinking water and food sources due to unsanitary disposal of excretion, members of the community were often much more willing to participate in the community based projects. 

A technique which helped to allow the maintenance of open defecation free communities was to ensure that the community built facilities such as latrines as alternatives to open defecation. Encouraging the community to build the latrines gave them the skills required to build more in the future. It is also more likely that villagers will want to maintain latrines that they have built over ones subsidised as they have put their time and effort into the making of these facilities.

The high engagement levels within the community play a large role in ensuring the success of CLTS projects. Through high response to schemes, social norms are developed and an unspoken standard of sanitation is set within the community - often leading to subconscious competition in which people strive to have better sanitation than others.