Transforming sanitation coverage: civic champions inspire sustainable change in Cambodia

Inspired by local leaders who have motivated their communities to make transformational change in sanitation coverage, WaterSHED is implementing a proof-of-concept leadership development project. Self-selected participants from two ‘treatment’ districts in rural Cambodia are engaged in a cyclical program of conferencing and coaching. Transformational change is rewarded through a combination of output-based financial and non-financial incentives. Significant improvement in sanitation coverage, including villages with 100 percent sanitation access is targeted. We are evaluating the effectiveness of the methodology to catalyze civic champions to enable more rapid and cost-effective means to reach total sanitation. Among other indicators, we are measuring the number of latrines sold, using neighboring (non-treatment) districts as reference points for comparison. Qualitative transformation is captured, through the mentoring program, documentary videos and small case studies. Early indications are that the enabling civic officials to enhance their leadership capacity, is cost-effective, sustainable and applicable beyond sanitation

The hands-off sanitation marketing model: emerging lessons from rural Cambodia

Sanitation marketing is fast emerging as a sustainable way to increase access to sanitation at scale. Although early evidence suggests the significant potential of sanitation marketing, practical experience remains limited. This briefing paper shares the lessons and experience from a sanitation marketing program in Cambodia. Based on extensive market research, the project developed a range of marketing strategies that have evolved into a ‘hands off’ model for sanitation marketing. The model leverages partnerships and minimizes external intervention, keeping barriers to market entry low and increasing the likelihood of sustained demand creation after external interventions cease. Early results are promising, with over 2000 unit sales recorded in the first five months of the pilot campaign. Lessons gleaned from experience in developing the ‘hands off’ model are widely applicable and the model itself is emerging as a replicable application of sanitation marketing