How To Conduct Community-Led Total Sanitation

Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is a transformative and participatory approach that empowers communities to take control of their sanitation and hygiene. Unlike traditional methods that solely focus on physical infrastructure, CLTS prioritizes behavioral change, mobilizing communities to appraise, analyze, and address their open defecation practices. At its core, CLTS catalyzes a collective journey toward open defecation-free status, leveraging local knowledge, technology, and innovation. This article presents a comprehensive step-by-step guide to implementing CLTS, emphasizing the critical role of community engagement, adaptation to diverse contexts, and ongoing commitment to achieving and sustaining improved sanitation outcomes.

Step 1: Introduction to CLTS:

Begin by introducing the concept of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) to the community. Emphasize that the approach focuses on community mobilization and behavioral change rather than merely providing physical infrastructure like toilets.

Step 2: Community Mapping:

Facilitate a community mapping exercise where residents identify areas with open defecation, water sources, and potential contamination pathways. This visual representation helps communities understand the implications of their current sanitation practices.

Step 3: Transect Walks (Walk of Shame):

Conduct transect walks with community members to physically explore the identified areas. This interactive process allows participants to witness firsthand the consequences of open defecation and reinforces the need for collective action.

Step 4: Triggering Process:

Initiate the triggering process, a pivotal phase where communities collectively recognize the impact of open defecation on health and well-being. This realization serves as a catalyst for change, motivating individuals to commit to becoming an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) community.

Step 5: Action Planning:

Guide the community in developing an action plan to eliminate open defecation. Encourage the identification of suitable, sustainable sanitation solutions that align with local knowledge, technology, and resources. This phase promotes innovation and ownership.

Step 6: Community-Led Implementation:

Empower the community to implement the action plan. This may involve constructing communal toilets, promoting hygiene practices, and addressing sanitation challenges collectively. Ensure that the initiatives align to achieve and maintain ODF status.

Step 7: Monitoring and Evaluation:

Establish a monitoring and evaluation system to track progress toward ODF status. Regularly assess the community's adherence to sanitation practices and the sustained use of facilities. This step reinforces accountability and ensures the continued success of the CLTS approach.

Step 8: Adaptations for Specific Contexts:

Recognize that CLTS can be adapted to various settings, including urban areas, schools, and post-emergency contexts. Tailor the approach to fit the specific needs and characteristics of the community, considering demographic factors, local practices, and available resources.

Step 9: Addressing Limitations:

Acknowledge the limitations and criticisms of CLTS, such as potential coercion and the misconception of being a cheap approach. Encourage open discussions within the community and work collaboratively to mitigate these challenges.

Step 10: Ongoing Updates and Training:

Recognize the dynamic nature of sanitation challenges and commit to ongoing updates. Provide continuous training to community members, ensuring they stay informed about new practices, technologies, and considerations, such as gender, disability, equity, and social inclusion.

By following these steps, communities can successfully implement CLTS, fostering sustainable improvements in sanitation and hygiene while empowering individuals to take ownership of their well-being.