Community-led total sanitation focuses on the behaviour changes needed for real and sustainable improvements to sanitation and hygiene. This approach mobilises communities to identify and find solutions to their needs using local knowledge, technology and innovation. Stopping open defecation is essential to break the cycle of faecal-oral contamination that causes diseases.
Under community-led total sanitation communities analyse their own sanitation practices and faecal-oral pathways. Called ‘Triggering’ this process aims to initiate the community’s desire for collective change and action. Encouraging mutual support and local solutions leads to greater ownership and sustainability.
Trained facilitators work closely with community members, carrying out activities and discussions that raise awareness about the importance of safe sanitation practices and the health risks of open defecation.
One of the main advantages of community-led total sanitation is its adaptability to different contexts and cultures. The approach recognises that each community is unique, and solutions meet specific needs and circumstances. Community-led total sanitation encourages the development of innovative and suitable local sanitation solutions. This includes building low-cost latrines using locally available materials.
There are often challenges implementing community-led total sanitation, such as cultural beliefs, lack of resources and resistance to change. Overcoming these challenges requires ongoing community engagement, building trust and working closely with local leaders and stakeholders. MENTOR’s community-led total sanitation programme in parts of South Sudan has led to remarkable transformations through reducing open defecation and the spread of waterborne diseases.
