The road from Open Defecation Free (ODF) self-declaration to ODF verification.

Background:

Agogomit village is one of eleven villages in Tuba parish where Plan Ugandaconducted CLTS triggering in September 2011. As a result, the community declared itself ODF in March 2012.

Village Health Teams (VHTs) carried out pre-ODF verification in preparation for final ODF verification in 102 households in Agogomit village. The sub-county health assistant noted that Agogomitvillage was one of the most difficult communities to work with during the triggering and monitoring – community members often ran away to other villages when the VHTs came to inspect latrines in their homes; one of the community leaders didnot possess a latrine and the VHTs were divided by their political views. Thus, deliberate efforts were made to dialogue with the community members and leaders, which greatly improved the working relationship amongst the people in Agogomit village.

What has been done?

Plan Uganda has worked closely with the local government and community to trigger CLTS in Tuba parish.Plan emphasizes promoting and sustaining improved hygiene behavior, especially latrine use, hand washing with soap, and targeting households and schools to eradicate open defecation.

The community has a very high level of enthusiasm for ODF. To date, Agogomit village is almost ready to be declared ODF; 97% of households have latrines and open defecation was not observed during the pre-verification exercise.This case study indicates that most communities are eager to be declared ODF after CLTS triggering. Therefore, pre-ODF verification should be undertaken before final ODF verification to ascertain acommunity’s ODF status and determine the best means of intervention.

A number of good practices were observed in the community during the pre-ODF verification exercise.I came across a widow, for example, who constructed her latrine as a result of the CLTS triggering. She worked with her grandson to dig the pit and paid a mason to construct the superstructure with the profits from selling her chicken; “I am happy now because when visitors come, I am not afraid. They have where to go to ease themselves.”Hence,even people regarded as vulnerable in society can improve their sanitation situation when they are properly informed about triggering.

The pre-ODF verification exercise revealed:

  • Skilled facilitators are necessary to ensure a properly ‘fired-up’ community during triggering. The triggering exercise needs to be given ample time for appreciation and action.
  • Triggered villagesneed to be followed up frequently until they attain ODF status.
  • Community innovation and the prioritization of sanitation at household level are major factors in the elimination of open defecation.Case in point, some households designed a separate latrine stance with a small drop hole for children. The members of these households used cheap and local materials to make the latrine. Plus, vulnerable households motivated them to invest in the construction of latrines.
  • Involving leaders in CLTS processes enhances the leaders’ understanding of CLTS,thus securing their support of community efforts to improve sanitation at a manageable pace.
  • The CLTS program emphasizes stopping open defecation and using an incremental improvement approach that allows households of different economic standings to provide a latrine structure for themselves that they can afford.