The socio-cultural acceptance of EcoSan latrines in rural areas of Morocco

Abstract

The lack of sanitation, in many developing countries such as Morocco, is a real burden on the health of the population and environment. Traditional methods of defecation such as the simple pit latrines and the open air are still widely used in rural areas of Morocco. In response to resolve this situation, the first EcoSan latrines (UDDTs) introduced in a rural village called 'Ait Daoud Ou Moussa' in Morocco in December 2009. In this study, qualitative and quantitative data were collected through field observation, a questionnaire survey, a group discussion and an interview with stakeholders in the field of sanitation to assess the socio-cultural acceptance of the EcoSan latrines in this village. Survey results showed that these eco-toilets have been generally accepted by almost all users and non-users. However, the use of excreta after treatment in their agriculture has not been accepted, because this population is afraid of reputability of their production (psychic effect).