Developing and Disseminating Guidance on Faecal Sludge Disposal Sites in Emergencies

What is the humanitarian need?

In 2013, the the Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF) commissioned a Gap Analysis^[1] to identify key challenges in emergency Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). This highlighted improving faecal sludge management during emergencies as an area requiring urgent attention. Specifically, methods for disposing of bulk faecal sludge have been highlighted as a significant problem particularly during rapid onset emergencies.

Despite the numerous innovations and technologies for a variety of humanitarian contexts that have emerged, there is still a knowledge gap among persons responsible for managing the disposal of bulk faecal sludge during rapid onset emergencies (within the first 6 months).

In addition lack of awareness among practitioners of existing faecal sludge disposal guidelines and existing guidelines not being user-friendly could be among factors accounting for inaction.

What is the innovative solution?

The research aims to understand what are the driving forces behind the decisions made on faecal sludge management in first phase emergencies. With this understanding, more targeted and effective methods of disseminating technical information or guidance on faecal sludge management can be developed. Additionally, this work will identify and review all emerging and proven technical solutions for disposal faecal sludge in first phase emergencies.

What are the expected outcomes?

Research component (led by BORDA):

1. Presentation of preliminary findings and recommendations to board of experts at a “initial findings sharing workshop” on the 30^th of November
2. Recommendation report of best dissemination methods, based on the outcomes of the research.
3. Compilation of technical options for faecal sludge management in first phase emergencies, based on most recent research.
4. Presentation of guidelines and recommendations to the dissemination partner Solidarities International

Dissemination component (led by Solidarités International):

1. Presentation of guidance format options and draft dissemination plan to WASH experts at a Guidance Design and Dissemination Workshop, facilitated by the HIF.
2. Transformation of technical guidelines for faecal sludge disposal generated by BORDA into a relevant and engaging format (taking into account recommendations from the Dissemination workshop).
3. Innovative guidance dissemination plan that contributes to bringing about change in faecal sludge disposal practice at field level (taking into account feedback from Guidance and Dissemination workshop).
4. Impact evaluation report.
5. Case report and a short video outlining the project implementation methodology, key findings and lessons learned, key findings.

^[1] Elrha WASH Gap Analysis