Abstract

This study determined whether and how the demand responsive approach (DRA) of the Volta Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project has changed access to toilet facilities in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Community development theory and interpretivism drove the research. Focus group discussions, structured and semi-structured interview questions, and observation were used to collect the data. Findings show that none of the communities have been able to obtain toilet facilities through this project because of little awareness as their key partners put emphasis on water issues. Besides, residents seem to value water facilities more than toilet facilities. The majority practice open defecation in the bush due to limited access to decent toilet facilities at home and suitable public ones. While residents largely support contributing a portion of the construction cost of toilet facilities, paying a fee for maintenance purposes each time they use them  is deemed culturally inappropriate, although this arrangement is favourable for their water projects. They welcome mobilizing communal labour to construct latrines at vantage points to increase access by all community members. It is recommended that rural people be educated on the health implications of practicing open defecation. Also each project needs to be assessed to ensure program modality is compatible with existing cultures as a standard approach may work for water facilities but not for toilet facilities.

Key words: Toilet facilities, latrines, DRA, Ghana, rural, health.