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

Infant and Young Child Feces Management and Enabling Products for Their Hygienic Collection, Transport, and Disposal in Cambodia.

In Cambodia, children's feces are rarely disposed of in an improved sanitation facility. This study examines current practices and the role that enabling products may play in increasing hygienic management of infant and young child (IYC) feces in households with access to improved sanitation. A survey was conducted with the primary caregiver of a child under 5 years of age in 130 homes with an improved latrine in 21 villages across two provinces in Cambodia. Two focus group discussions per province were conducted after the survey to obtain caregiver feedback on new enabling products for hygienic management. Among caregivers, 63% reported child feces disposal in an improved latrine but only 36% reported doing so consistently. Besides child age, years of latrine ownership, caregiver age, consistency of adult latrine use, and presence of child feces management tools in the latrine were associated with hygienic disposal. The youngest caretakers with the newest latrines and youngest children were least likely to dispose of IYC feces hygienically, representing a key target group for interventions to improve hygienic disposal in Cambodia. Reusable diapers, child-friendly potties, and possibly latrine seats, that offer child safety, time and cost savings, and easy disposal and cleaning could potentially facilitate hygienic disposal for these ages

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

Credit Where Credit's Due: Recognising Literacies Learning

This project sought to identify and evaluate how ALN partnerships and networks have developed their approach to accreditation to ensure opportunities for all literacies learners. The objectives of the project were: • to map the approach and extent of accreditation of adult literacies learning • to determine potential barriers to accreditation • to identify potential support/training needs within partnerships and networks in relation to accreditation • to identify existing good practice and effective structures which support the accreditation of learning