Examination Of The Factors Impeding The Implementation Of Open Defecation Law In The North

Examination Of The Factors Impeding The Implementation Of Open Defecation Law In The North

Chapiter 1

Introduction

1.1 Study’s historical context

Nearly 1 billion people worldwide still practice open defecation, and it is thought to have a substantial role in the 842,000 annual deaths attributed to diseases associated to poor sanitation. Numerous nations in sub-Saharan Africa struggle with the serious environmental health issue of open defecation. Although rates of open defecation have been gradually declining since 2000, the sub-Saharan African countries did not all achieve target 7.C of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which called for cutting in half the proportion of the population lacking sustainable access to basic sanitation by 2015. According to some estimations, this can only be accomplished by 2026 if things continue as they are. Except for sub-Saharan Africa, where high population growth caused an increase in open defecation from 204 million to 220 million, and Oceania, where the practice increased from 1 million to 1.3 million, all sustainable development goal (SDG) regions saw a decline in the number of people who practice it. Studies like those by Osumanu and Kosoe, which reveal that open defecation in Ghana has expanded over the years leading to various environmentally endemic health concerns, support this knowledge.

In addition to being linked to infections, malnutrition, and poverty, open defecation is typically viewed as a violation of one’s personal dignity. In addition to having the highest rates of undernutrition, poverty, and wealth inequality, the nations with the highest rates of open defecation also have the highest rates of fatalities among children under the age of five [3]. Every year, 200,000 children under the age of five die from diarrhea in sub-Saharan Africa, and the number of people dying from cholera there is also high due to inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene standards, and dangerous water sources.

Due to the lack of toilet facilities for nearly 5 million Nigerians in rural regions, Nigeria has been ranked second in Africa for open defecation behind Sudan. In 2015, it was estimated that 18.75% of Nigerians engaged in open defecation. This refers to the proportion of people who urinate in public places including fields, forests, bushes, open water, beaches, and other public areas, or who mix human waste with solid garbage. The Upper East Region, with 89% of the population lacks access to any kind of toilet, has the highest prevalence of the practice, followed by the Northern Region with 72%. In the northern portion of the country, households that do not have any kind of toilet facilities available at home typically utilize the nearby bush, field, or small feces containers. The fact that children are the main offenders highlights how serious the matter is, especially given that restrooms are typically not made to accommodate children’s requirements.

Although open defecation is mostly a rural occurrence, 8.22% of the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa is thought to engage in the practice. The practice of open defecation in urban areas requires attention because studies have shown that it has negative health effects that are more pronounced when there is a large population density (especially for early life health). For example, in a place with a high population density average compared to a low population density average, the same amount of open defecation is twice as unpleasant.

1.2 A description of the issue

In the Wa Municipality, open defecation is alarmingly prevalent, placing locals at risk of cholera, diarrhea, and other sanitation-related illnesses including typhoid. According to a recent study by Kosoe and Osumanu, 52% of households lack a toilet at home and instead use bushes, unfinished structures, and open places in their neighborhoods. Human waste, some of it wrapped in black polythene bags, is discovered in open areas and between houses, where it attracts flies and gives off an offensive odor. The presence and smell of feces in residential areas degrades the visual appeal of the area and humiliates both locals and outsiders who visit the town.

Every society’s open defecation behaviors are influenced by sociocultural and economic elements, which must be fully understood for any sanitation initiative to have any chance of success. In light of this, research aims to investigate the barriers preventing the North from implementing an open defecation law.

1.3 Purpose of the investigation

This study’s main goal is to identify the issues preventing the North from enforcing its open defecation laws. This research specifically tries to

Determine whether the law is feasible.

Identify the socioeconomic barriers to the law.

Investigate the reasons for and effects of open defecation in northern Nigeria.

Offer suggestions for resolving the socioeconomic issues hindering the law.

1.4 Research Prompts

1. Is it possible to enact an Open Defecation Law in the North?

2. What socioeconomic variables are hindering the application of the law?

3. What are the reasons behind open defecation in northern Nigeria and what are their effects?

4. What are the remedies for the socioeconomic issues preventing the application of the law?

1.5 Importance of the research

The examination is conducted in light of the widespread (rural and urban) habit of open defecation in the northern region. In contrast to earlier research, this one offers a thorough quantitative analysis of the sociocultural and economic elements that determine open defecation. This paper’s main contribution is the examination of key factors influencing open defecation in the north.

1.6 Study scope and limitations

The Bindawa Local Government Area of Katsina State will be the focus of this study on the factors preventing the execution of the open defecation law in the north.

Study’s shortcomings

Financial limitations: This study’s main limiting aspect was money.

Language barrier: Since the researcher’s language barrier with the respondents turned out to be a significant obstacle, he hired a research assistant.

Time: Since the researcher had to balance both academic work and research, time was a limited resource.