Acceptance of EcoSan Concepts in Tanzania A Case Study

Piloting Ecological Sanitation at Majumbasita Dar Es Salaam Tanzania particularly aimed at adaptation of Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan) as an option in combating sanitation problems in the country by recovering and recycles to the maximum extent the renewable resources present in human excreta. EcoSan technology has drawn attention to many Majumbasita dwellers, international organizations, government line ministries, individuals and other stakeholders following the construction of 95 EcoSan Latrine units in household level and 6 stances School latrine in the project area. Two types of urine diversion toilets have been applied, the seat pan and squatting pan, the later is more acceptable to the community following the unplanned settlement in the area. This paper provides insights and lessons learned from a piloting ecological sanitation project in Tanzania since November 2000. It includes findings of review as conducted to assess the operation and socio cultural pertaining the technology. It shows to what extent is the EcoSan is accepted in Tanzania. In addition, the paper explored community reactions towards the recycle of nutrients from human excreta and research on the recycling nutrients. Public acceptability is promising following the PHAST (Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation) methodology carried out at all stages of project implementation