ETUDE SUR L’ASSAINISSEMENT PRODUCTIF /ECOSAN AU NIGER : Bilan et perspectives

The report evaluates the implementation of EcoSan projects in Niger between 2002 and 2010, specifically in regions like Torodi, Aguié, and Madaoua. It finds that the use of hygienized human excreta (Takin Ruwa for urine and composted feces) significantly improves crop yields for vegetables and grains while enhancing village sanitation. Despite initial cultural skepticism, the approach achieved high adoption rates through social mobilization and the involvement of religious leaders. Technical challenges remain regarding the quality of construction by local masons and the need for better protective equipment for handlers.

• A total of 679 EcoSan latrines were constructed across 15 communes in Niger through various partners, including EAA (EX-CREPA), UNICEF, and PPILDA.
• The use of hygienized urine (Takin Ruwa) led to significant agricultural yield increases: approximately 46% for tomatoes, 45% for onions, and over 44% for pearl millet in farmer practice.
• Blind taste tests indicated that vegetables fertilized with Takin Ruwa were perceived as sweeter and more attractive than those fertilized with urea, with 100% of testers preferring the taste of EcoSan-fertilized tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions.
• Social perception of human excreta shifted from total skepticism to total adhesion; 100% of surveyed farmers now have a positive view of using excreta as fertilizer.
• The approach improved village sanitation and social dignity, with some villages reaching over 70% latrine coverage and residents reporting the disappearance of the shame associated with open defecation.
• Following WHO guidelines, the storage of excreta can reduce pathogens by 99.9999%, and the high temperatures in Niger facilitate the rapid inactivation of pathogens during storage.
• Technical failures were noted in some constructions due to the low technical capacity of some trained masons, resulting in incorrect excavation dimensions and poor concrete dosing.
• There is a critical shortage of protective equipment (masks, gloves, boots), leading many users to handle liquid fertilizers without sufficient safety measures.
• The use of Takin Ruwa is estimated to provide a cost saving of approximately 50% compared to the use of mineral fertilizers per hectare.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2012). ETUDE SUR L’ASSAINISSEMENT PRODUCTIF /ECOSAN AU NIGER : Bilan et perspectives. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/TripleGreenNiger/SEI-TripleGreenNiger-RevueSurLAassainissementProductifAuNiger.pdf

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. ETUDE SUR L’ASSAINISSEMENT PRODUCTIF /ECOSAN AU NIGER : Bilan et perspectives. 2012. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/TripleGreenNiger/SEI-TripleGreenNiger-RevueSurLAassainissementProductifAuNiger.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=ETUDE SUR L’ASSAINISSEMENT PRODUCTIF /ECOSAN AU NIGER : Bilan et perspectives |date=April 2012 |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/TripleGreenNiger/SEI-TripleGreenNiger-RevueSurLAassainissementProductifAuNiger.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2012etude, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{ETUDE SUR L’ASSAINISSEMENT PRODUCTIF /ECOSAN AU NIGER : Bilan et perspectives}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2012}, month = apr, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/TripleGreenNiger/SEI-TripleGreenNiger-RevueSurLAassainissementProductifAuNiger.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }