The impacts of spatial organisation of settlements on access to sanitation facilities in Mwanza city, Tanzania

Abstract

While spatial dynamics are widely reported to shape sanitation practices, the spatial organisation of settlements in landscape patterns have received little attention in sanitation studies. Understanding how spatial organisation of settlements shape access to sanitation facilities can help to identify necessary strategies for improving access to these facilities. However, research on the role of spatial organisation of settlements in shaping access to sanitation facilities is limited. This study examined the impacts of spatial organisation of settlements on access to sanitation facilities, specifically appropriate latrine depths. Data were generated from household surveys, key informant interviews, participant observation and documentary review. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive techniques, chi-square and content analysis. The results indicated that settlements on gentle slope had improved sanitation, followed by sloping landscape, while steep slopes experienced inadequate sanitation. The distribution of improved latrines was 60 % on gentle slope, 42.64 % on sloping landscape, and 30.36 % on steep slope. The spatial organisation of settlements in landscape patterns shape access to sanitation facilities. Progress can be achieved through government prioritization of environmental conditions in settlements development, enforcement of regulations, adoption of appropriate sanitation technologies, and implementation of effective policy governance.