Patterns of Human Excreta Disposal in Ayikuma, Shai-Osudoku District
Date
2013-07
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Abstract
This thesis explores the defecation practices and preferences of the people of Ayikuma, a
peri-urban community in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region. The
community has few social amenities: There is only one public-private toilet facility
serving residents but this facility is hardly patronised. The majority of the people practice
open defecation. The study was undertaken against the backdrop that understanding local
conditions and specific needs of people is necessary to facilitate improvement in their
sanitation behaviour.
To study the defecatory behaviour of the people, the study was guided by the following
objectives: a) To outline the history of faecal matter disposal in the community and how
this informs present methods of excreta disposal; b) To investigate the factors that
influence point of defecation preference of community members; and c) To find out
preferred options for defecation of community members.
The study was undertaken using triangulated quantitative and qualitative research
techniques. Thus, a household survey, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and
observations were employed to elicit varied views on defecation practices and preferences
in the community.
Major Findings
It was found that Ayikuma was introduced to public toilet system as early as 1916
by the British colonial authority. Toilet use was free until the 1990s when
franchising was introduced and fees were charged. Presently, there is a 12-cubicle
public-private flush toilet facility but it is hardly patronised by community
members. This is so because there is a perception held by many residents that the
fee charged for use of the facility is too high and also that the location of the toilet
is not appropriate.
The majority of households do not have a toilet facility. People, therefore, make
use of group-financed toilets, „solidarity toilets‟ and the bush. However, these
toilets are not child-friendly. Therefore, children defecate in chamber pots or in the
bush.
In choosing a place to defecate, the residents consider the following: their financial
status, age, privacy and safety, the cleanliness and hygienic nature of a defecation
point, cultural prescriptions and beliefs pertaining to faecal matter as well as family
ties and relationships.
Generally, the people prefer to have toilets in their homes for convenience and
easy access. Although public water supply is not regular in the community, the
majority of people prefer flush toilets.
Recommendations
On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that:
The Shai-Osudoku District Assembly like all district assemblies in Ghana should
provide toilet facilities that are owned and patronised by the local population,
while ensuring that the community context reflects in the type of facility provided.
The district authorities should see the provision of proper sanitary facilities as a
responsibility so that people can enjoy access to decent toilets at affordable rates.
The worldview and cultural subscriptions of people should never be
underestimated if gains are to be made in good sanitation. Sanitation education
should incorporate the perspective of the community members who are the target
of this education.
Future Research Agenda
This study has focused specifically on Ayikuma, a peri-urban community. Further studies
may be undertaken in future to ascertain the extent to which the findings and
recommendations are applicable to other peri-urban communities in the country. In
particular, the issues of smell and gender should also be examined to ascertain how they
influence excreta disposal among males and females.
Description
Thesis (MPHIL)-University of Ghana, 2013