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The rationality factor: Choosing water sources according to water uses
01.10.1994
Rural water-supply projects often seem to base their technological interventions on the belief that, once installed, the improved water sources will be used to the exclusion of all others. But users perceive their traditional water sources to be just as good — if not better. Now project designers are beginning to ask them why. -
Studying hygiene behaviour - where are we now?
01.01.1995
Water and sanitation programmes aim to improve people's health, mainly by reducing the rates of intestinal infections such as diarrhoea and worms. Long-term benefits will only come about, however, if people change some of their water-use and hygiene-related habits. In recent years, this realization has stimulated a resurgence of interest in the study of hygiene behaviour: what is emerging? -
Indicators for sanitation — yardsticks for cleanliness?
01.01.1995
Full latrine coverage and exclusive latrine use have been promoted widely as the best indicators for sanitation. But for many rural populations, latrines are either non-existent, or not in use. One project is building on grassroots research to develop simple, effective indicators to prepare the ground for step-by-step improvements in excreta disposal. -
Participatory hygiene evaluation: a means to an end, or an end in itself?
01.06.2003
Some participatory methods allow local people to control data analysis and planning, and some are designed so that data is analysed at the project head office and comparisons can be made across different communities. This article outlines three methodologies, and compares their distinctive features. When project staff as well as local people are willing to learn, participatory evaluations can result in hygiene education projects that make a difference.