Community perception and adoption of improved sanitation in Tunduru district, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted in Tunduru District, Tanzania to assess the perception and determinants for the adoption of improved sanitation. The specific objectives were twofold: (i) to examine community perception on improved sanitation and (ii) to determine the factors influencing the adoption of improved sanitation. A total of 248 householders were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through a household survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were subjected to t-test, Principal Component Analysis, and Chi square test analysis. The findings showed that households with improved sanitation constituted 69.4% of the peri urban sample compared with 18.9% for rural households. The corresponding figures for handwashing facilities were 3.1 and 5.8%. The perceived benefits of improved sanitation were clustered into four dimensions reflecting comfort, convenience, status symbol, and disease prevention. The main factors explaining the adoption of improved sanitation were younger age of household heads, secondary or higher education, employment or engaging in small business, higher household economic status, and living in peri-urban areas. Overall, these factors relate to the behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, which guide individual’s behavior and decisions to adopt and use improved toilet facilities.