An Assessment of the Social, Economic and Environmental Benefits of achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status in Ndake Village

Abstract

This study investigates the sanitation experiences and perceptions of Ndake Village residents in Luangwa District, Zambia, following the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Using a qualitative design, the research draws on focus group discussions, household interviews, and key informant insights from Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) champions and the District Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education (DWASH) committee. The study was guided by the general objective of assessing the social, economic, and environmental benefits of achieving ODF status in Ndake Village, with specific objectives focusing on economic impacts, social well-being, and environmental improvements. The target population comprised residents of Ndake Village under Luezi Ward, including male- and female-headed households, community leaders, and key stakeholders involved in sanitation governance. A total of 50 respondents participated in the study, consisting of 42 community members, 4 government and non-governmental officials, and 4 community leaders. Of the respondents, 53.3% were male and 46.7% were female, with the majority engaged in farming as their main livelihood. The findings reveal that achieving ODF status significantly improved public health outcomes, personal dignity, and community cohesion. Women reported enhanced safety and privacy, while households noted reductions in diarrhoeal diseases and improvements in school attendance among children. Social norms around defecation transformed substantially, with strong community pressure to maintain clean and functional latrines. Economic benefits were also observed, including reduced medical expenditures and increased productivity. However, the sustainability of ODF status faces several challenges. Seasonal flooding frequently damages shallow pit latrines, financial constraints limit the construction of durable facilities, and water access remains inconsistent. Some households struggle to maintain handwashing stations and replace worn-out latrine components, threatening long-term sanitation gains. The study concludes that sustaining ODF achievements requires ongoing behaviour change reinforcement, targeted support for vulnerable households, and investment in flood-resistant sanitation technologies. Strengthened local governance and climate-resilient WASH interventions are essential for advancing and sustaining rural sanitation outcomes in Ndake Village and similar contexts. The findings have important implications for policy and practice, highlighting the need for sustained post-ODF monitoring, integration of climate-resilient sanitation technologies into rural development planning, and strengthened collaboration between government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and community leadership to prevent slippage and ensure long-term sanitation sustainability.