Rural Sanitation

Based on its 10-year rural water supply project in Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien-Hue and the clear need for improved sanitation and hygiene in these areas, IDE is launching a program of private sector development, product marketing, and social marketing to motivate rural families to purchase low-cost latrines and adopt improved sanitation and hygiene behaviors.

Only 25% - 50% of households in rural areas of Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien-Hue have sanitary latrines. Families express interest in owning latrines and they recognize the associated health benefits. Cost and the low priority placed on latrines relative to other household investments are the primary reasons families don’t buy them.

To stimulate the supply of affordable latrines, IDE will build the capacity of rural enterprises to market a range of options, beginning with the very cheapest sanitary design. IDE will help small enterprises provide scaleable, upgradeable latrine packages suitable for poor families to invest in progressively better facilities. At the same time, IDE will design and conduct marketing campaigns with local enterprises and government partners to build demand for latrines.

Sanitation and hygiene standards in rural Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien-Hue are also low, posing a threat to water quality and community health. Open defecation is still practiced in many areas, and communities have minimal hand washing facilities. Animals roam free around water sources and uncovered latrines. While most individuals convey a basic knowledge of the link between household sanitation and improved health, there is a gap between what people know and what they practice.