Community engagement strategies and participation in the implementation of onsite sanitation facilities in George Compound, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate sanitation is crucial in preventing a range of diseases, including waterborne, water-based, water-washed, and insect vector-borne diseases. Literature underscores the significance of community engagement and community participation in the promotion and acceptance of sanitation interventions. Despite the benefits of community participation, there is still a gap in understanding how to sustain it over long periods and what strategies to use to sustain it. Methods: This was a qualitative case study which used thematic analysis to analyze data collected from six focus group discussions with community members and tap leaders and four key informant interviews with community development officers. Results: The three engagement strategies including; information sharing, capacity building and consultation were used concurrently. Door to door sensitization, fliers, meetings and drama were used to share information with the community. Both the implementing partners and the community felt that door to door sensitization about the construction of the improved onsite sanitation facilities and construction of a demo toilet in the market were the best channels of communication. On the other hand, fliers were expensive and not user friendly, especially for the illiterate. Capacity building activities including skills training, cheaper toilet construction price, and a flexible payment plan, stimulated community participation in the marketing stage. However, failure to remain consistent with capacity building during the emptying phase of the onsite sanitation facilities resulted in low community participation especially that the nature of sanitation facilities demanded frequent emptying. Consultation through holding meetings with similar participants was the best way of getting the community engaged despite the difficulty in organizing these meetings. Conclusion: The community engagement strategies employed during implementation significantly influenced the level of community participation. The findings also underscore the need for timely evaluation of engagement strategies and necessary adjustments to fit changing community needs.