Very practically oriented description of the potential of community engagement to transform service delivery
In Nigeria, the responsibility for promoting and providing access to sanitation and hygiene lies with local government. However, this responsibility is often not matched with the necessary competence or resources. As a result, citizens’ participation is vital if access to sanitation is to be increased.
So far, community participation has been limited to consultations on programmes. Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) takes it to another level with citizens actually driving the process of achieving sanitation with support from local government.
Local people have proven to be useful resources in ending open defecation, being well placed to support their own communities and others. By building a new culture of voluntarism, sanitation programmes can be made more affordable and sustainable, bringing about lasting behaviour change. Recognising and utilising Natural Leaders is an important part of this approach.