Rural Livelihoods and Values on Sanitation in Nepal, A Livelihood Study towards the Role of Cultural Values and Approaches on Sanitation in the Implementation of Sanitation Projects in Two different Rural Districts in Nepal

Abstract

The livelihoods and values and approaches on sanitation use, that are present in the districts, will influence the effectiveness of a sanitation programme. Bajura is a remote district, where the modern values are not completely spread. This causes cultural challenges for the implementation of a sanitation programme. It will be difficult for the sanitation programmes to get support in all the communities of the district, when these traditional values and approaches on sanitation use are still in place. Besides the traditional Hindu values, more values and approaches will be a challenge for the sanitation programmes in Bajura. Not all people understand the link between sanitation, hygiene, and health. The sanitation programmes which are being implemented, should therefore start from the beginning. There is no knowledge base where the sanitation programme can rest upon and the behavioural change is not started yet. Bardiya is a district which has less challenges regarding the livelihood indicators for the implementation of a sanitation programme than Bajura. The main challenge in the Bardiya district regarding the cultural values and approaches for the implementation of a sanitation programme is the stiffness of the people. People understand that it is better for their health to install sanitation facilities, while they hold on to their traditional practice of open defecation.