Publication

Abstract : Rural sanitation in developing countries is a growing challenge, putting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 global targets by 2030 at risk. Using participatory action research, this paper investigates the rural sanitation situation in Naglachandi, a village in Uttar Pradesh, India. The main concerns relate to the unkempt village surroundings due to the poor management of buffalo and cow dung. Also, a lack of proper drains and community waste bins has implied that community members throw household waste indiscriminately. The study emphasises the importance of adequately resourcing community organisations such as Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) to provide sustainable waste management services in rural areas. It also highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in enacting and enforcing local sanitation rules and regulations based on household norms and in line with national laws. Finally, through a co-design process a number of sustainable solutions to the waste management challenges have been designed and implemented.