Life has become more colourful: the social and economic outcomes of community-led sanitation initiatives in the rural Philippines

Abstract

This article considers the impact of improved sanitation beyond physical well-being. Based on the experiences of women from three community-based organisations (CBOs) in the rural Philippines, this article expands on documented non-health related outcomes of health, safety and security, cleaner surroundings, and ownership, to also include those linked to household income, livelihood, and CBOs. Drawing from the participatory and qualitative methods of Photovoice and Most Significant Change, semi-structured interviews and individual photo conversations were conducted among 13 CBO leaders and 50 sanitation project participants, respectively. Findings suggest that CBOs enable improved sanitation, and such improvements include a personal and communal change in the form of reformed sanitation and hygiene practices, enhanced independence, privacy, and security, and improved ability to reclaim spaces for personal and public use, cultivation, and economic stimulation. Findings also underscore the idea that people may be more likely to adopt and sustain improved sanitation efforts if they are made aware of the additional non-physical health advantages of doing so.