Poonam Devi Kanu, Nepal Concrete Udhyog, -Birgunj-19, Parsa
Using the HCD methodology to understand the sanitation needs and motivations of all key stakeholders, iDE Nepal found that existing latrine options were undesirable and difficult to install and purchase. In response, iDE prototyped and finalized a design for the Easy Latrine, an affordable, aspirational, packaged, and ready-to-install improved pour-flush latrine. iDE also used insights gained from the HCD process and other research to design business models and training for two key market actors: latrine producers and commission-based sales agents (also known as Community Business Facilitators, or CBFs). iDE trained latrine producers on production and business management, as well as strategies for managing the CBFs. iDE also provided CBFs with rigorous training on marketing the Easy Latrine directly to individual households and larger groups, emphasizing the need to focus on the motivations and desires of their customers.
By combining a desirable and affordable product with an effective business model, iDE Nepal made improved sanitation accessible to rural communities. The program has been catalytic in increasing latrine coverage, access to safe water, and incomes, and improving entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for women and disadvantaged groups.
By the end of 2018, iDE’s sanitation marketing approach had facilitated the sale of over 123,000 hygienic latrines at an affordable market price, substantially contributing the Government of Nepal’s success in declaring national open-defecation free status on 30th September, 2019.