Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Year: 2006
Volume: 1
Issue: 4
Page No. 445 - 455

Exploring Sustainability of Sanitation Systems: Social-Cultural Acceptability Analysis of Technology Options for Kampala�s Peri-Urban Areas Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

Authors : Jimmy Zikusooka Muwuluke and G. Ngirane-Katashaya

Abstract: In a bid to improve peri-urban sanitation, several sanitation interventions using different technological solutions have been tried to replace the common Simple Pit Latrine (SPL), but with limited success due to lack of acceptability of the options by the users. Enhancing acceptability and hence sustainability of excreta management facilities requires an objective consideration of the peri-urban specific social-cultural aspects of service provision (community organisation, culture, settlement and others). Objective measurement of acceptability as a sustainability dimension, however, necessitates a Decision Support Tool (DST) that can link the design based technology attributes (excreta handling required, convenience and others) to the acceptability criterion indicators. As part of an on-going study, this study examines the development of such a DST using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques. First, the technology options were characterised and then using a case study of Kawempe Division (Kampala city), the field indicators situation and their relative importance (weights) were determined. These variables were then used to assess the acceptability index score of each technology option and its sensitivity to indicator variations using a HIVIEW program-based model. Ironically, model analysis results show that the acceptability index score for the common SPL is quite high (73%) compared to other options (VIP latrine-64%, ecosan systems-58% and non-conventional sewerage-40%). This could partly explain the limited success of the interventions that use these other technology options like the ecological sanitation systems.

How to cite this article:

Jimmy Zikusooka Muwuluke and G. Ngirane-Katashaya , 2006. Exploring Sustainability of Sanitation Systems: Social-Cultural Acceptability Analysis of Technology Options for Kampala�s Peri-Urban Areas Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis . Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 1: 445-455.

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