Impact of Climate Hazards on Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Burkina Faso

SLH Learning Briefs 12
August 2022

Despite climate change being a major concern for the sanitation sector, rural sanitation remains neglected in the wider discussions of climate impacts on WASH services. Also, the voices of vulnerable individuals, households, and communities who are experiencing the effects of climate change in relation to sanitation issues are missing.

The aim of the case study was to expand the evidence base on climate impacts on rural sanitation and hygiene practices and programmes in Burkina Faso and on practical adaptations to increase resilience and ensure communities are better able to maintain improved sanitation behaviours during and after times of climate stress.

There was a focus on the social dimensions of impacts, exploring vulnerabilities and behavioural aspects of sanitation access and use. Additionally, the research identified the impacts climate change is already having on current programming efforts in rural settings.

Recommendations

  • Reinforce sanitation as a priority at household and community level.
  • Integrate climate risk factors and adaptations into ongoing sanitation interventions.
  • Prepare specific guidance at a commune (area-wide) level.
  • Facilitate intersectoral collaboration
  • Draw on existing community-level support networks to increase the durability of latrines.
  • Build on the strengths of CLTS and community participation.
  • Consider alternative methods where needed.

Additional details

PublisherInstitute of Development Studies
RegionWestern Africa
CountryBurkina Faso
ThemesChallenging contexts, Climate change, Climate finance, Ecosystems perspectives, Hygiene, Leave no one behind, Lifestyles and livelihoods, Mitigation, Slippage, Sustainability and safely managed sanitation, Tough physical environments, Vulnerability, resilience and adaptation
ApproachesLearning approaches, Sanitation approaches
Citation

Iyer, R. and Pare Toe, L. (2022) ‘Impact of Climate Hazards on Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Burkina Faso’, SLH Learning Brief 12, The Sanitation Learning Hub, Brighton: IDS, DOI: 10.19088/SLH.2022.016

LanguageEnglish

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